Car emissions top polluter: CSE study

Average contribution of farm fires to PM2.5 level was only 0.7% when stubble burning peaked

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY

IT is not the Haryana and Punjab farmers, but the vehicular pollution that is the largest contributor to the national capital's poor Air Quality Index (AQI), accounting for over 50% more harmful pollutants than other sources.

A new study by the Delhi-based environmental think tank 'Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)' reveals that vehicular emission is the top contributor to Delhi's pollution during winter -- more than stubble burning, road dust or bursting of firecrackers.

CSE has analysed the current trends in particulate matter pollution, trends in motorisation, congestion impacts, and the state of public transport to understand this growing challenge.