The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is preparing a new emission inventory and source apportionment study for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). This initiative, which sets 2026 as its base year, aims to provide more accurate data for air quality forecasting and to better manage pollution in the region.
Leading Institutions Collaborating on the Study
This extensive study involves a collaboration of four prominent Indian institutions. These are the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in Pune, IIT Delhi, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and IITM Pune. Their combined expertise will be vital in developing a robust framework for assessing and mapping emission sources across Delhi and NCR.
Why a New Emission List is Crucial for Air Quality
The main objective of this new emission list and source apportionment study is to significantly improve the accuracy of air quality predictions. Officials have explained that the updated inventory will incorporate current activity data and active policy measures for a more precise assessment of emissions. This integration will support the air quality early warning system (EWS) and decision support system (DSS) to strengthen source apportionment and provide real-time assessment of pollution sources.
Seasonal Contributions of Key Pollutants
The study provides detailed insights into how different pollutant sources contribute to air pollution during winter and summer. Understanding these seasonal variations is essential for developing effective and targeted pollution control strategies.
| Pollutant Source (Winter) | Share | Pollutant Source (Summer) | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaseous Emissions | 27% | Dust | 27% |
| Secondary Particulate Matter | 23% | Transport | 19% |
| Transport | 20% | Secondary Particulate Matter | 17% |
| Biomass | 15% | Industry | 14% |
| Dust | 9% | Biomass | 12% |
| Industry | 9% | Other Sources | 11% |
| Other Sources | 6% |
Public Consultation and the Path Forward
The CAQM has opened the platform for public feedback and suggestions on this critical study, with a deadline of February 10. This public consultation is a key step to ensure comprehensive input is gathered before finalization. The initiative also reflects on a previous report by Jagran from January 3, which had brought to light the issues associated with outdated emission lists and the ongoing challenges of pollution sources.
