Vehicular emissions make Delhi air quality more toxic

Delhi’s air quality on Thursday has fluctuated between the very poor and severe categories as unfavourable meteorological conditions hindered the dispersion of pollutants.

- ASHISH SINHA

Recent findings from a joint project by the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur found that vehicular emissions accounted for about 38% of the capital’s air pollution. This is projected to rise to 40% on Thursday.

Secondary inorganic aerosols particles such as sulfate and nitrate that are formed in the atmosphere due to the interaction of gases and particulate pollutants from sources like power plants, refineries, and vehicles is the 2nd major contributor to Delhi’s foul air, accounting for 30-35% of the air pollution in the city over the last few days.

An official at the India Meteorological Department stated that calm winds and low temperatures are allowing accumulation of pollutants and relief is unlikely over the next few days.