Report on sources of air pollution in Delhi based on 2015 IIT-Kanpur study: Status of action taken and directions sought for further action

Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority for NCR

January 20, 2016

  1. Emission load in Delhi: estimating the different sources of pollution and based on emission factors calculating the load of pollution contributed by each source

Chart 1.1: PM2.5 Emission Load Share of Different Sources

Chart 1.2: NOx Emission Load Share of different sources

  1. Receptor modelling of PM2.5 in Delhi: based analysis of particles in the air to fingerprint the source of pollution based on their composition

Chart 2.1: PM2.5 share of sources during winter

Chart 2.2: PM2.5 share of sources during summer

3. Vehicular emissions: emissions by category of vehicle

Chart 5: PM2.5 by category of vehicle as percentage of total vehicular emission load

Chart 6: NOX by category of vehicle as percentage of total vehicular emission load

Chart 7: SO2 by category of vehicle as percentage of total vehicular emission load

Sources of air pollution based on IIT-Kanpur report, actions already taken and further directions sought

S. No. / Pollution source / Action taken / Further directions sought from Hon’ble Supreme Court
1. / Road Dust: 16% of PM2.5 as perreceptor modelling and38% as per emission inventory / SC directions issued to Government of NCT of Delhi to take immediate steps for repair of pavements and road shoulders and also to procure vacuum cleaning vehicles for use on Delhi roads by 1st April, 2016
2. / Vehicles: Contribute 20% of PM2.5as per receptor modelling and 25% of PM2.5 in winter as per emission inventory.
36% of NOX in Delhi. In addition in winter secondary particles contribute 30 per cent of PM 2.5 – the source is mainly from vehicles. / BS IV fuel is not available across the country. Between BS III to BS IV there will be 80% improvement in PM from every vehicle.
This is critical for trucks, as these even with reduction in numbers coming into Delhi, there are large numbers traversing through and also causing pollution across NCR. Clean fuel and vehicle technology will improve situation. / Direct implementation of BS IV nationwide by April 2016 (see EPCA report on auto-fuel policy for details)
2.1 / Trucks: 46% of PM and 21% of NOxof vehicular emissions / SC order October 9, 2015 imposed Environmental Compensation Charge doubled with effect from 16.12.15. SC order of December 16 2015 and January 12, 2016 directed that no vehicle that is not bound for Delhi would be allowed entry. 20% reduction in inbound heavy vehicle traffic. Strict implementation required
2.2 / Two-wheelers: 33% of PM and 9% of NOx / BS IV will be introduced by April 2017, which will improve emissions. In terms of reducing emissions from this segment, the only option is to provide adequate and greatly enhanced public transport. SC in order dated January 12, 2016 has asked for plan for augmenting rolling stock and increasing frequency of trains; and asked for time-frame for providing land for parking of buses from DDA
2.3 / Cars: 10% of PM load; 17% of NOx and 57% of SO2. Additionally contribute to pollution because of congestion and secondary pollutants / Ban the registration of 2000 cc plus diesel vehicles till 1st April 2016 in NCR.
All taxis across NCR have been directed to switch away from diesel cars to petrol/CNG by 1st April 2016.
Leapfrog to BS VI emissions by 2020 to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles / Direct imposition of ECC of 30% on all new diesel vehicles
2.4 / NCR connectivity for public transport / Currently some 10 lakh private vehicles – 2 wheelers; cars; SUV travel to Delhi and from Delhi every day. This greatly adds to pollution load. / Direct for Delhi-NCR public transport plan including all modes (buses, rail, metro, autos) to be prepared to reduce huge influx of private vehicles. Submit plan to SC with deadlines
2.5 / Improvement of walk and cycle on all roads across NCR and Delhi: / In Delhi nearly 40% of daily commuters walk or cycle but there is no provision on roads for their movement and safety / Direct for action plan to implement/redesign roads for pedestrian and cycle movement and safety
2.6 / Parking charges and annual vehicle registration / Private vehicles need to pay for usage of road and parking based on cost of land and public spaces.
The parking policy for travel demand management and reducing motorisation is yet to be made for Delhi and NCR towns
EPCA to prepare report and to submit for directions from Hon’ble Supreme Court
3. / Secondary Particles :
Contributes 23% of PM2.5 as per source apportionment
3.1 / Volatile Organic Compounds formSecondary Organic Aerosols which are also toxics / CPCB has mandated installation of vapour recovery system at petrol refuelling stations by 1st February 2016. EPCA is monitoring progress
4. / Domestic Sources: Contribute 12% to PM and 2% to NOx.
4.1 / Household stoves: Are toxic on prolonged direct exposure and lead to reduced lung function / Delhi government has initiated action to restrict usage of kerosene by providing LPG connections to households. CPCB has also mandated elimination of kerosene use in Delhi for cooking purposes
5. / Industry:
Contributes 13% of PM2.5 by receptor modelling and 17% of PM2.5 by emission inventory; 53% of NOx / Air polluting industries, which were previously operating in Delhi have been shifted to neighbouring states and is adding to pollution in NCR air-shed. The information on action taken on industrial air pollution in Delhi and NCR is also unavailable. EPCA to prepare report on this for further directions.
6. / Restaurants and Hotels:
Contributes 3% of PM2.5 by receptor modelling, 16% by emission inventory, 1% of NOX / CPCB has issued directions to ban all coal based tandoors in 60 days to Delhi, UP and Haryana
7. / Power Plants:
Contributes 11% of PM2.5 by receptor modelling, 16% by emission inventory; 52% of NOX. In addition in summer contributes to coal and fly ash in air and secondary particles in winter / Rajghat power plant has been shut down
One unit of Badarpur plant is operational and is contributing to air pollution / Urgent directions needed to close down Badarpur thermal power plant and coal based power plant in NCR (Note by EPCA on power sector contribution is attached)
8. / Concrete Batching:
Contributes 6 % of PM2.5 / EPCA will review actions needed in this sector and submit report for directions from Hon’ble SC
9. / MSW Burning:
Contributes 3 % of PM2.5 / SC order dated December 16 2016 has issued clear directions requiring enforcement on ban on burning of MSW. EPCA to file report on status
10. / Construction and Demolition:
Contributes 2% of PM2.5 / SC order of December 16, 2016 has issued directions to enforce CPCB guidelines on C&D waste. All state governments to ensure action. EPCA to file report on status
11. / Diesel Generator sets:
Contributes 2 % of PM2.5 / CPCB has directed enforcement by all state boards to ensure that only generators meeting standards operate in NCR
12. / Cremation:
Contributes 1 % of PM2.5 / EPCA to review and submit report on directions needed
13. / Aircrafts:
Contributes 2 % of NOX / EPCA to review and submit report on directions needed
14. / Medical Waste Incinerators:
App. 1 % of NOX and PM2.5 / EPCA to review and submit report on directions needed