Comprehensive study on air pollution and Green House Gases (GHGs) in Delhi
The IIT Kanpur study makes it clear the entire NCR contributes to Delhi's alarming air pollution levels and even with all control measures implemented this year on, Delhi will not achieve the desired PM levels by 2023 but can halve the hazardous PM levels. The report categorically states that almost one third of the pollution PM (Particulate Matter which is microscopic and lodges itself in the lungs) levels can be attributed to emission from outside Delhi. The report states that pollution control will have to focus both inside and outside Delhi for improvements in air quality. It further points out that even if the recommended range of measures are taken, the national air quality standards will not be achieved for PM 10 (100 micrograms per cubic metre) and PM 2.5 (60micrograms per cubic metre). Even with all control measures taken, expected mean PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels will be around 198 and 117 respectively. Sources from outside of Delhi alone contribute up to 100 of PM 10 and 59 of PM2.5 in Delhi. Therefore, control measures need to be implemented across NCR starting from this year on even to achieve at least 50 per cent decrease in PM levels in the capital- no earlier than 2023.