World · India Bureau
Delhi-NCR air quality hits three-year high as pollution peaks before Diwali
Delhi's average PM2.5 levels reached 236 micrograms per cubic meter in the pre-Diwali period, marking the worst air quality in three years, according to a new assessment. Vehicle emissions have emerged as the primary pollution contributor, with emergency traffic curbs failing to reduce congestion.
LSN India ·
Air quality in the Delhi-NCR region has deteriorated to its worst level in three years, with pre-Diwali monitoring revealing severe pollution concentrations, according to an analysis by environmental experts. Average PM2.5 levels recorded 236 micrograms per cubic meter during the critical period, signaling a concerning trend for public health in the nation's capital.
Vehicle emissions have been identified as the leading source of localized pollution across the region. The surge in automotive traffic has outpaced efforts to control air quality through conventional measures, contributing significantly to the elevated particulate matter levels recorded ahead of the festival season.
Emergency traffic restriction measures implemented to mitigate congestion have proven ineffective in reducing vehicle volumes on city roads. The restrictions, designed as a temporary intervention during peak pollution periods, have failed to achieve meaningful declines in traffic density or corresponding improvements in air quality metrics.
The deteriorating air quality poses challenges for residents across Delhi-NCR, particularly during the festival season when additional factors typically contribute to pollution. Environmental advocates have called for more comprehensive strategies to address vehicular emissions and improve air quality management during critical periods.