![]() Also, PM2.5 is seasonal in nature, so the levels fluctuate. But NO2 is a better indicator for understanding the pollution situation in the capital since it is released from vehicles, which happen to be the biggest contributor. Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 has the highest share in the air quality index during the winter season. The average NO2 levels for Lockdown 1 and lockdown in Delhi during the second wave were 22.5 ppm and 34.7 ppm respectively. Lockdowns (March to May 2020) had the biggest impact in terms of curbing vehicular pollution as the data shows, even when compared to the lockdown which was declared by the Delhi government during the second COVID-19 wave.Ĭompared to 2021, the October-November timeframe from 2020 shows more NO2 levels, suggesting more vehicular movement with an average NO2 level of 62 parts per million (ppm) against an average of 42 ppm. DTE analysed and visualised NO2 levels in the capital and compared data from the October-November period of 20, with the lockdown phases from last year and during the COVID-19 second wave this year.Īccording to DTE’s analysis, there was a stark contrast in NO2 levels as visualised in the graphic. NO2 is released in the air through the burning of fuel from vehicles and power plants. ![]() The share of pollution from stubble burning stood at 14.5 per cent during the same time period. This translates to about 15 per cent of overall pollution sources (external and local combined). ![]() Vehicular pollution was the biggest emitter of Delhi’s local pollution, with a share of just over 50 per cent from October 24 to November 8, 2021. This is on the basis of comparison of NO2 levels in the two lockdowns that took place during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: From March 25-and April 19-May 31, 2021.Īccording to an analysis by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), “Vehicles are the biggest contributor among the local sources in Delhi.” However, a closer analysis of vehicular pollution due to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels shows a 48 per cent reduction in such pollution is possible from current levels. The debate regarding the smog episode in Delhi this time has mostly centred on pollution due to stubble burning by farmers, chiefly in Punjab and Haryana. An analysis by Down To Earth ( DTE) has shown that annual lockdowns in Delhi can have drastic improvement on the air quality in the national capital.
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