Firecrackers & Fury: Vehicles Outpace Farm Fires As Top Polluter In Delhi
As Diwali approaches, focus shifts to tackling vehicle emissions and local pollution sources to combat worsening air quality in the capital
Despite a decrease in agricultural burning, Delhi's air quality has worsened, transitioning from 'poor' to 'very poor' in recent weeks. A new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) attributes this decline primarily to local pollution sources, notably vehicular emissions, which are estimated to account for over half of the capital’s daily pollution levels.
The CSE's pre-winter and pre-diwali report reveals that farm fires now contribute only about 4.44 per cent to the city’s PM2.5 levels. This marks a significant reduction compared to previous years when stubble burning was often blamed for the smog that blankets the city each winter. Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at CSE, stated, “The air quality of Delhi has turned from poor to very poor even when the contribution of farm fires has remained less than 1 to 3 per cent for most of this period.”
The report highlights that local pollution sources, particularly from vehicles, are now the leading contributors to Delhi's air quality crisis. The analysis estimates that vehicular emissions contribute more than 50 per cent of pollution, followed by residential burning at 13 per cent, industrial sources at 11 per cent, and construction activities at 7 per cent.
The CSE analysis coincides with the onset of winter, a period when air pollution typically peaks due to a combination of factors, including stubble burning and increased use of firecrackers during Diwali. Shambhavi Shukla, Programme Manager for the Clean Air Programme at CSE, noted that “PM2.5 levels during this phase appear to be similar to, or even higher than, previous winters, suggesting that air quality has not improved substantially and is at risk of worsening.”
Moreover, the study indicates a concerning trend in traffic congestion across Delhi. Shubham Srivastava, a Programme Officer at CSE, reported that vehicles caught in congestion emit several times more pollution than normal driving conditions. The analysis of traffic data reveals that South and West Delhi are particularly vulnerable, experiencing the highest congestion indices during peak traffic periods.
The CSE report highlights that the significant role of vehicular pollution in Delhi’s air quality crisis cannot be overlooked any longer. With the overall number of farm fires declining, the focus must shift towards implementing stringent measures to tackle local pollution sources.
“Delhi cannot hide behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore,” Roychowdhury stated. “This demands very stringent advanced action at scale and with speed to minimise local pollution in Delhi and its surrounding region.”
Seasonal Air Quality Trends: The PM2.5 levels began rising in October, exceeding 100 micrograms per cubic metre on 14 October. The highest level recorded was 213 µg/m³ on 23 October, coinciding with a peak in farm fire contribution of 16 per cent. However, the average PM2.5 level for the month showed a 13 per cent increase compared to October 2023.
Increasing Poor Air Quality Days: This year, Delhi recorded 11 'very poor' air days during the pre-Diwali period, the highest number for the same timeframe in the last three years. Only two days recorded 'good' air quality, a significant decline from 11 days in 2022.
Pollution Sources: The CSE analysis found that local sources dominate Delhi's air pollution landscape, with vehicles being the largest contributors, followed by residential solid fuel burning and industrial emissions. External factors, including pollution from surrounding states, accounted for a significant portion of the air quality issues.
Recommendations for Action:
CSE urges immediate and substantial action to combat pollution in Delhi. Key recommendations include:
Reducing Vehicular Emissions: Implement policies to increase the usage and share of integrated public transport services, as well as promote walking and cycling.
Tightening Regulations on Local Pollution Sources: Address pollution from residential burning, construction activities, and industrial emissions more aggressively.
Enhancing Clean Fuel Transition: Accelerate the transition to clean fuels, particularly in residential sectors and industries.
Traffic Management: Implement better traffic management strategies to reduce congestion and idling, which significantly increase pollution levels.
Roychowdhury concludes, “The clean air action in Delhi and NCR requires massive upscaling of local and regional action to curb emissions from vehicles, alongside other key sources of pollution.” As Delhi prepares for the anticipated air quality challenges associated with Diwali and the winter months, the urgency for effective and comprehensive action has never been more critical.
