Peak winter pollution dipping: CSE

Average pollution levels in Delhi during the winter months are on a rise year-on-year, a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has revealed. However, the report shared on Wednesday noted annual pollution levels in the city are dipping, as are the peak winter pollution levels.

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CSE in its analysis looked at PM2.5 data for Delhi shared by the Central Pollution Control Board for the months of October to January over the last five years. It found that the 24-hour peak PM2.5 concentration in the winter months was down by around 35%—from 566 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in the winter of 2019-20 to 366 µg/m³ in 2023-24.

However, the data also showed despite the dip, the average PM2.5 concentration last winter was 189 µg/m³—the highest in the last five years. The average in the winter of 2022-23 was 160 µg/m³; 169 µg/m³ in 2021-22; 186 µg/m³ in 2020-21 and 173 in 2019-20.