Delhi's Air Pollution: Monitoring Methods And Solutions

Delhi, India's capital, is the world's most polluted city. The air pollution in Delhi is twice as bad as Beijing's, and experts have likened it to a “gas chamber. The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi is often in the “unhealthy category, and in 2025, it worsened compared to previous years. The sources of air pollution in Delhi include motor vehicle emissions, wood-burning fires, cow dung combustion, fires on agricultural land, exhaust from diesel generators, dust from construction sites, burning garbage, and illegal industrial activities. To address this issue, the Delhi government has implemented various measures, such as shutting schools and government offices, regulating construction dust, banning diesel generators, and phasing out older vehicles. Real-time air pollution data is available through online platforms and mobile applications, which help people stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their health.

Air Quality Monitoring Solutions

Delhi, the capital of India, is the most polluted city in the world. The air quality levels pose severe health risks to its residents, especially during the winter months of October to February.

To address this critical issue, various air quality monitoring solutions are being implemented and considered. One notable solution is the "Green Delhi" mobile app, which allows users to report complaints and receive personalized health advice based on real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data. The app also provides information on preventive measures and government policies related to air pollution.

Another solution is the installation of smog towers across the city to clean the polluted air. Additionally, the government is promoting the use of electric or hybrid vehicles under the FAME scheme and phasing out older vehicles that do not meet BS6 norms. The Commission for Air Quality Management has been established to enforce pollution control measures, such as regulating construction dust and banning diesel generators in certain areas.

Furthermore, Prana Air provides comprehensive air quality monitoring and fresh air solutions for various establishments, including schools, restaurants, cafes, RMC plants, fitness centers, enclosed car parking areas, retail stores, and airports. They utilize advanced technology, such as drones and outdoor air purifiers, to improve air quality and protect the health and well-being of individuals.

To empower individuals to take control of their air quality, portable air quality monitors, such as the Pocket monitor and GAIA air quality monitors, are available. These devices provide instant insights into the air quality in your surroundings and are easy to set up, requiring only a WiFi access point and a USB-compatible power supply.

Real-time Air Pollution Levels

There are several ways to measure real-time air pollution levels in Delhi. One way is through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides a numerical value that represents the level of air pollution at a given time. This data is often available in real-time through websites and mobile applications. For example, the Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) provides real-time data on the overall air quality index, as well as the individual indices for various pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3. The AQI levels are categorised into different groups, such as 'poor', 'unhealthy', and 'hazardous', with corresponding recommendations for protective actions.

Another way to measure real-time air pollution is through the use of air quality monitoring stations. These stations can provide real-time data on the levels of various pollutants in the air. For instance, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) operates monitoring stations that provide real-time data on air pollution levels in the city. This data can be accessed programmatically through an API. Additionally, individuals can contribute to air quality data by purchasing their own air quality monitors, which can provide real-time data for their specific locations.

To address the issue of poor air quality, the Delhi government has implemented various measures. For instance, the government has regulated construction dust, banned diesel generators, and shut down highly polluting power plants. Additionally, the government has promoted the use of electric vehicles, implemented stricter vehicle emission standards, and encouraged the use of air purifiers. Furthermore, the Commission for Air Quality Management has been formed to enforce pollution control measures in the National Capital Region.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to communicate information about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI includes six colour-coded categories, each corresponding to a range of index values. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern.

For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality. When the AQI is at or below 100, air quality is generally considered satisfactory. However, as the AQI rises above 100, the air quality becomes unhealthy, initially for certain sensitive groups of people, and then for everyone as the AQI values continue to increase.

In Delhi, the AQI is often in the 'unhealthy' range, and it holds the title of being the most polluted city in the world. During the winter months, from October to February, the AQI in Delhi routinely eclipses 700, posing severe health risks. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) provides real-time air pollution data for the city, and the AirNow website and mobile app also offer air quality information for locations worldwide, including Delhi.

Causes of Poor Air Quality

Delhi, the capital of India, has been dubbed the most polluted city in the world. The air pollution in Delhi is so severe that it has irreversibly damaged the lungs of 2.2 million children.

The poor air quality in Delhi is attributed to various factors, including:

• Motor vehicle emissions: Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to Delhi's air pollution.
• Biomass burning: A study by IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur concluded that biomass burning, particularly after the festival of Diwali, is the primary cause of air pollution in the city.
• Stubble burning: Farmers burn crop residue, releasing pollutants into the air.
• Industrial activities: Illegal industrial operations, such as the Badarpur Thermal Power Station, have been major sources of pollution, with the power plant alone contributing 80-90% of particulate matter pollution from the electric power sector.
• Construction sites: Dust and emissions from construction activities further degrade air quality.
• Agricultural fires: Fires on agricultural land, often used to clear fields, release large amounts of smoke and pollutants.
• Wood-burning fires and cow dung cake combustion: These traditional cooking and heating methods release smoke and particulate matter.
• Waste burning: Open burning of garbage is a common practice that adds to the air pollution.
• Diesel generators: The use of diesel generators for power backup contributes to air pollution, especially in areas with frequent power outages.

To address these issues, the Commission for Air Quality Management has been established to enforce pollution control measures in Delhi. The government is also considering long-term solutions, such as promoting electric vehicles, implementing stricter emission standards, and installing smog towers.

Health Risks of Air Pollution

Delhi, the capital city of India, is the most polluted city in the world. The air quality levels in the city pose severe health risks to its residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides a standardised way to measure air pollution and its potential health effects.

The immediate effects of Delhi's poor air quality are widely experienced by its residents, manifesting as respiratory issues such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and throat irritation. Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly vulnerable, as high pollution levels can exacerbate their symptoms, sometimes leading to life-threatening episodes. The risk extends beyond immediate respiratory distress; it also contributes to cardiovascular issues. The sustained inhalation of PM2.5 particles over years can induce inflammation and damage blood vessels, heightening the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Long-term exposure to polluted air compounds these health risks, particularly regarding chronic illnesses.

Studies have found that residents in high-pollution areas are more likely to experience genetic mutations linked to cancer, with PM2.5 exposure identified as a key contributor. Delhi's recurring high AQI is a result of several factors, from vehicular emissions and industrial waste to seasonal crop-burning practices in neighbouring states. The toxic smog that results is dense with pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and, most notably, PM2.5.

Frequently asked questions