Decadal Analysis of Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis: Unraveling the Contributors

TL;DR

This study analyzes a decade of air pollution data in Delhi, identifying key contributors and evaluating mitigation strategies, revealing that current measures are insufficient and emphasizing the need for new, targeted solutions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive, data-driven reassessment of pollution contributors in Delhi from 2014 to 2024, highlighting the evolving impact of sources and policy effectiveness.

Findings

Vehicular emissions and industrial activities are now primary contributors.

Stubble burning has declined but was historically significant.

Existing mitigation strategies have not sufficiently improved air quality.

Abstract

Recently, Delhi has become a chamber of bad air quality. This study explores the trends of probable contributors to Delhi's deteriorating air quality by analyzing data from 2014 to 2024 -- a period that has not been the central focus of previous research. The study aims to reassess the contributors in light of recent shifts. The consistently worsening air quality has forced the people of Delhi to adapt to an unhealthy environment. People breathing this polluted air are at great risk of developing several health issues such as respiratory infections, heart disease, and lung cancer. The study provides a quantified perspective on how each contributor has influenced pollution levels by identifying percentage contributions of major sources. Over the years, Delhi's air pollution has been primarily attributed to stubble burning. However, the present study discusses the decline in stubble burning cases in the current scenario and the evolving impact of contributors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and population growth. Moreover, the study assesses the effectiveness of mitigation strategies like Electric Vehicles (EVs), public transport expansion, and pollution control policies. The average levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI) during October-November and November-December remained consistently high from 2018 to 2024, reaching 374 in November 2024. Based on the data-driven analysis, the study demonstrates that existing measures have fallen short and makes a strong case for implementing new long-term strategies focusing on the root causes.