Vehicles key culprit behind pollution load'

Gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) have shown significant spikes in Delhi-NCR in a new analysis of early winter trends, surging with traffic emissions trapped under shallow winter boundary layers. These findings, experts said, point to the strong influence that trafficrelated emissions have on Delhi's daily pollution spikes.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

The analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), released Monday, also noted that while peak pollution levels have been lower this early winter compared to previous years, the average pollution levels remain largely unchanged.

The study, covering the period from October 1 to November 15, found PM2.5 rising and falling almost in tandem with NO2 during morning (7-10am) and evening (6-9pm) hours - a clear indication of the impact of traffic emissions and congestion.