22 Pollution Hotspots Identified In New Delhi, Sparking Air Quality Concerns

The situation regarding the mitigation of air pollution in Delhi now seems to be turning for the worse. Apart from the 13 pollution hotspots that were established in 2018, nine more areas have been identified with concerning levels of PM 2.5 concentration. These recently identified hotspots are not that new with locations such as Mandir Marg, Pusa, about Nehru Nagar and Sonia Vihar, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, ITO, Patparganj, Lodhi Road (IITM station), Alipur now having several cases of air pollution.

22 Pollution Hotspots Identified In New Delhi, Sparking Air Quality Concerns

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While the initial 13 hotspots previously mentioned, such as Anand Vihar, Mundka, and RK Puram, had been characterized by logical air quality deterioration, the case is different for these new areas as they are now recording pollution levels comparable to those of the older hotspots, and in some cases, even worse-pollution. This study on Urban Air Quality Improvement of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has established these conclusions. Real-time air quality measurements from the Central Pollution Control Board and the extent of the problem can be illustrated. Surprisingly enough to researchers, people are not worried about these new areas because preventive measures are not taken in those regions.

It has been stated in different recommendations that average PM 2.5 levels in areas such as Nehru Nagar close to Lajpat Nagar increased to 118 micrograms per cubic meter in the year 2022, 120 in 2023 and again remains alarming at 90 micrograms this year which is still far above the national ceiling of 40 micrograms which is dangerous even. Such alarming condescension also has been associated with Lodi Road (IITM station) where figures like 118 in 2022 and 75 up to this year have been recorded.

Notwithstanding the statistics, the government has not commenced the implementation of anti-pollution measures such as water sprinkling or even applying the law to the offenders in these fresh hotspots.

According to the latest reports, even the newly surfaced regions are facing difficulties this year. In the year 2023, ITO registered PM 2.5 levels of 100 micrograms, Patparganj 109, Sonia Vihar 108, and Alipur and Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium each at 99 micrograms per cubic meter. High concentration readings are also recorded in Mandir Marg and Pusa which are otherwise famous.

As the winter season is fast approaching and pollution levels go high, attention is now directed towards how fast the authorities are going to intervene to salvage the air condition of the city and the people from deterioration. If you are planning on coming to Delhi, keep a mask with you and do not move around unnecessarily.