Delhi Air Pollution: What is Polluting Delhi's Air and What are the Major Contributors in Capital NCR

Air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) is a major and chronic issue, with a multitude of local and regional factors aggravating it. Some major contributors to this pollution can be categorized into several key sources:

Major Contributors to Air Pollution in Delhi

1. Vehicular Emissions

Primary Source: Vehicles constitute nearly 51.5% of total pollution levels in Delhi and are the greatest contributors to air pollution. Vehicle emissions include cars, buses, two-wheelers, and so on.

Some specific pollutants include: Vehicles are the largest contributors to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) emissions, as well as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). For example, vehicles constitute roughly 78% of NOx emissions.

2. Construction Activities

Dust Generation: The dust particle added to the atmosphere through ongoing construction activities keeps on degrading the air quality. This source has more potential in a fast-urbanized city like Delhi.

3. Industrial Emissions

Industrial Pollution: All kinds of industrial pollution, and especially industrial emissions, are significant elements of pollution in Delhi, along with sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter. Activities of industries account for around 41% of PM10 and 44% of PM2.5 in the NCR.

4. Stubble Burning

Seasonal Impact: Stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh impacts significantly on Delhi's air quality, mainly during the winter. It is reported that stubble burning adds around 35% to the PM2.5 levels during peak pollution periods.

5. Waste Burning

Open Burning Practices: Garbage and waste materials get burned into the atmosphere, adding to the pollution load, thus contributing to about 1.3% of the overall air quality issues in Delhi.

6. Road Dust and Open Spaces

Road Dust: The road dust composing dust collected from unpaved roads and construction sites, forms about 38% of PM2.5 in the city.

Other Sources Influencing Air Quality

Geographical Factors: The geographical location of Delhi and the overall weather pattern were generally during winters when the temperature deploys a term called temperature inversion. This in turn caused the pollutants near the ground to rise sharply which enhanced smog conditions.

Population Increase: With more than 20 million people living here, the rise in population causes an increase in the number of vehicles, waste, and energy, all factors of pollution.

Contributions from Nearby Districts: Contribution from neighbouring districts is also a reason for pollution in Delhi. For instance, Ghaziabad contributes to around 9% and Noida to around 6.5%.

Delhi and the NCR region face a complex interplay of vehicular emissions, industrial activities, dust from construction, agricultural practices like stubble burning, and problematic waste management activities. These sources are multifaceted and require a combination of efforts by sectors and regions for effective pollution control.