The Capital’s plan to combat poor air quality may see a redesign soon with a new study giving authorities insights into what really causes pollution, something there has been little information about so far.
The draft report of a study, which was started in 2013 by the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, was recently submitted to the Delhi government’s Environment and Forest Department. The study on “source apportionment of particulate matter” looked into origins of finer particles (PM 2.5) and coarse ones (PM 10).
Some findings in the draft report, like vehicular pollution touching the peak in the colder months and dust being the biggest contributor during the summer, are not new.
The report focuses on secondary particles that are formed after the reaction of primary gases in the atmosphere, which can change the way Delhi tackles pollution and its origin. According to officials, certain areas had not been looked into, which the report seeks to change.
“The final report will be out next month. But from the draft report, we can say that we will have new insights into the causes of air pollution that will help shape the way we deal with air quality,” said Ashwani Kumar, Secretary (Environment and Forest Department).
As per the draft, vehicular emission and secondary particles amount for about 60 per cent of pollutants in the winter. Though finer particles are known to be the most dangerous for health, depending on their components they could be even worse. If the PM 2.5 is mostly made of benzene, which is emitted by burning of coal, it could be carcinogenic. The report also has suggestions on how to tackle each category of pollutant.
Environmentalists are hoping the study helps the city improve the declining air quality.
“There is a need for a comprehensive look at all sources of pollution, not only in Delhi but in the NCR as air doesn’t have borders. A thermal power plant in Haryana could affect Delhi’s air,” said Sunil Dahiya, campaigner on air pollution for Greenpeace India.
The report on “source apportionment of particulate matter” looks into origins of finer and coarse particles in the air
