IIT Delhi study reveals fixing civic issues can reduce air pollution in urban areas

A new study by IIT Delhi has shown that addressing civic problems such as unpaved roads, garbage burning, and broken footpaths can significantly reduce PM2.5 levels and help curb urban pollution.

PM2.5 particles, which have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, pose a serious health risk. The annual acceptable limit for PM2.5 is 40 micrograms per cubic metre.

Titled “The Impact of the Dispersed Sources Program on Local Air Quality,” the study demonstrated an average reduction of 15% in PM2.5 levels. Conducted between July 2023 and March 2024, the study focused on three areas—Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Karol Bagh—using portable low-cost sensors (PLCS) to monitor air quality.

The research pointed out that simple actions like fixing unpaved roads, managing construction waste, reducing garbage burning, and repairing broken footpaths contributed to the decrease in pollution levels. According to the findings, Jahangirpuri saw a 26.6% reduction in PM2.5 levels, while Rohini and Karol Bagh experienced reductions of 15.7% and 15.3%, respectively.

To ensure data accuracy, the study combined readings from government air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) with those from the PLCS devices, explained Professor Sagnik Dey from IIT Delhi’s Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, who led the study.

The research employed a “difference of difference” methodology to compare air quality in areas where interventions were implemented against areas without such measures. This approach confirmed the positive impact of localised actions on reducing air pollution.

Professor Dey emphasised that “community-level initiatives can lead to significant and sustained improvements in air quality.”

Also Read: Delhi’s Air Pollution: Experts demand long-term solutions over quick fixes

The project is part of the Dispersed Sources Programme (DSP), overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM-NCR), with the participation of 12 urban local bodies.

Tariq Thomas, Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), praised the collaboration between MCD and IIT Delhi during the event unveiling the study, calling it “a major step in our efforts to improve air quality in Delhi’s densely populated areas.” Thomas added that the findings highlight how small but well-planned interventions can have a considerable impact.

The research involved deploying 35 sensors across Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Karol Bagh, which were calibrated using the U.S. Embassy’s air quality monitoring system as a benchmark. The study focused on resolving 65 long-term civic issues in these areas to evaluate the effect on local air quality.

The programme, in collaboration with urban local bodies, seeks to address both short-term issues like garbage dumping and long-term problems such as potholes and broken footpaths, which contribute to pollution, the study concluded.

(With inputs from PTI)