Delhi's Air Quality Remains 'Poor'; External Sources Contribute 65% of Pollutants
Delhi's air quality remains poor, with a report indicating 65% of pollutants originate outside the city.
Photo by Ronak Naik
A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that Delhi's air quality continues to be 'poor', with a significant portion of pollutants originating from outside the city. The report highlights that approximately 65% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi during the winter of 2023-24 came from sources in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other neighbouring states.
This finding underscores the transboundary nature of air pollution and the need for regional cooperation to effectively address the crisis. While Delhi's internal emissions contribute, the overwhelming external influence necessitates a broader, coordinated strategy involving states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, particularly concerning industrial emissions and stubble burning.
Key Facts
CREA report on Delhi's air quality
65% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi from outside city (NCR/neighbouring states) in winter 2023-24
AQI remains 'poor'
UPSC Exam Angles
Environmental pollution and degradation (GS-3)
Government policies and interventions for environmental protection (GS-2, GS-3)
Inter-state relations and cooperative federalism in environmental governance (GS-2)
Health impacts of air pollution (GS-3)
Sustainable development and climate change mitigation (GS-3)
Visual Insights
Delhi's Air Pollution: External Sources & Regional Contributors
This map illustrates Delhi's location within the National Capital Region (NCR) and its proximity to major contributing states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab, which collectively account for 65% of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution. It highlights the transboundary nature of air pollution in the region.
Loading interactive map...
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR):
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The CREA report states that approximately 65% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi during winter 2023-24 came from sources *outside* Delhi (NCR and neighbouring states), not primarily from within the city's boundaries. Statement 2 is correct, accurately defining PM2.5 as particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, capable of deep lung penetration and systemic health impacts. Statement 3 is correct. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024, using 2017 as the base year.
2. With reference to institutional mechanisms for air quality management in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented to combat severe air pollution, initially formulated by EPCA and notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for laying down standards for the quality of air and monitoring air quality across the country under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. How many of the statements given above are correct?
- A.Only one
- B.Only two
- C.All three
- D.None
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. CAQM was established by an Ordinance in 2020 and subsequently by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. It is a statutory body, but not established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Statement 2 is correct. GRAP was indeed formulated by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) (now superseded by CAQM) and its framework was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change after being approved by the Supreme Court. Statement 3 is correct. CPCB, under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, is the primary body responsible for setting air quality standards and monitoring across the country. Therefore, two statements are correct.
3. Which of the following statements about common air pollutants and their primary sources is NOT correct?
- A.Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) is primarily emitted from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants and industrial processes.
- B.Ground-level Ozone (O3) is a primary pollutant directly emitted from combustion sources like vehicles and industries.
- C.Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.
- D.Particulate Matter (PM) can include dust, soot, and smoke, and is a major component of haze and smog.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement B is incorrect. Ground-level Ozone (O3) is a *secondary* pollutant. It is not directly emitted from combustion sources but forms when other pollutants, primarily Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. The other statements correctly describe their respective pollutants and sources. SO2 is a primary pollutant from fossil fuel combustion. CO results from incomplete combustion. PM is a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles contributing to haze and smog.
Related Articles
EV mandate in Delhi NCR faces opposition from automakers
India to Receive Eight Cheetahs from Botswana for Project Revival
Enhancing Disaster Resilience Through Community Participation and Local Knowledge
NGT Reconstituted with Experts, Primarily Former Government Officers
PMO Reviews CAFE-3 Norms for Vehicle Emissions