Latest news with #AmbientAirQualityMonitoringStations
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Air quality worry in Mumbai: Many areas cross safe pollution limit, says report
MUMBAI: Although Mumbai, as a whole, reported average toxic PM2.5 levels in air below the national standard, several hotspots within the city such as Deonar, Sion, Kandivali East, and BKC recorded pollution levels above the limit. This highlights the need for strict enforcement of hotspot-based measures to effectively reduce PM2.5 concentrations, said a latest national report on air pollution. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has released its half-yearly analysis of air quality across India for January to June 2025, revealing a persistent and widespread challenge in meeting both national and international air quality standards. The report draws on data from Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in 293 cities, offering a comprehensive snapshot of PM2.5 pollution. The PM2.5 particles in air are considered carcinogenic and can be absorbed in blood upon breathing. Mumbai's air quality, as reflected in PM2.5 averages from January to June, shows that several of its locations experience higher pollution compared to other major coastal cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Vijayawada, and Puducherry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Deonar in Mumbai stands out as one of the most polluted monitoring sites among all the listed coastal locations, with other Mumbai areas such as Sion, Kandivali East, Bandra Kurla Complex, Borivali East, Worli, Mazgaon, Shivaji Nagar, Sewri, and Kurla also registering PM2.5 levels above or equal to NAAQS (national ambient air quality standards) which is 40 μg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter). You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai While the NAAQS for PM2.5 is 40 μg/m³, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a much lower, and safer, level of 5 μg/m³. Many Indian cities including Mumbai's few suburbs experience levels exceeding both the Indian NAAQS and the WHO guidelines. 'These figures place Mumbai's air quality in a more concerning bracket, especially when compared to many sites in Chennai and Puducherry, where the PM2.5 concentrations are generally lower,' the study stated further. According to the report, the compliance assessment shows that PM2.5 data was available for over 80% of days in 239 cities with CAAQMS. Among these, 122 cities exceeded India's annual National Ambient NAAQS of 40 μg/m3, while 117 cities remained below this threshold. However, all 239 cities surpassed the much stricter World Health Organization (WHO) annual standard of 5 μg/m3. This widespread exceedance indicates that air pollution continues to pose a significant public health risk even in cities that are technically 'compliant' with Indian standards, report stated further. 'While Kolkata also has several locations with high PM2.5 concentrations, Mumbai's pollution levels are notable for their consistency across multiple sites. In contrast, Chennai's monitoring stations, particularly those in residential and peripheral areas, often report much cleaner air. Puducherry and Vijayawada show even lower PM2.5 averages, indicating better air quality. This comparison highlights that Mumbai, despite its coastal location, faces significant air pollution challenges, making it one of the more polluted coastal cities in India during the first half of the year,' said CREA's analyst and researcher Manoj Kumar. 'Addressing the air quality crisis in any Indian city requires a multi-sectoral approach. Fragmented or seasonal measures are not enough. Urgent steps are needed to update national standards, expand NCAP coverage to gaseous pollutants, and enforce mitigation measures for all polluting sources to safeguard public health throughout the year,' added Kumar
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
NCR trio in top 5 polluted cities
Gurgaon: It took just 19 days this year for air pollution levels in Gurgaon to overshoot the limit considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO). A study of air quality data by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that Jan 19, 2025, was Gurgaon's 'overshoot day'. By then, particulate matter 2.5 concentration was already so high that, even if levels were to drastically reduce to zero for the rest of the year, the city would still fail to meet WHO's annual limit. The analysis also ranked the city as the fifth most polluted Indian city in the first half of 2025, with an average concentration of PM2.5 at 75 µg/m³, 15 times higher than WHO's maximum permissible limit (5µg/m³). You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon "Gurgaon's consistent ranking among the top 10 most polluted cities, even during non-winter months, highlights the persistence of poor air quality. The upcoming NCAP revision must add Gurgaon as a priority city to tackle its pollution sources year-round," Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA, said on Friday. Kumar was referring to another CREA finding that Gurgaon was among the 10 most polluted cities in India in Feb, March, April and May this year. NCAP, or the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), is an initiative launched by the Union environment ministry in 2019 to tackle air pollution across India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 'Non-attainment' cities under NCAP are those that consistently fail to meet national air quality standards. Under the programme, these cities are given targets to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 40% (compared to 2017 levels) by 2026. The CREA report, released on Friday, draws on PM2.5 data from Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) across 293 Indian cities to give a mid-year snapshot of air pollution trends. PM2.5 – particles that are 2.5 microns in diameter, one-thirtieth the width of a strand of human hair – can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter bloodstream if inhaled. Long exposure can worsen and trigger cardiac and respiratory ailments. Further, the report concluded that other Indian cities did not fare any better. By June 29 this year, 259 out of 293 cities – including Delhi (87 µg/m³) and Ghaziabad (78 µg/m³) — had reached their 'overshoot day'. Even if the less stringent limits in India were considered for annual PM2.5 levels, 122 out of the 293 cities, or 41%, breached National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40µg/m³ by the end of June. The remaining 117 cities were compliant with India's norms, though none met WHO's standards. "This widespread exceedance of both national and global air quality standards points to a persistent and systemic challenge in India's fight against air pollution," the report said, adding that even in cities considered "compliant" under Indian norms, the exposure levels remain significantly harmful to human health. "We are aware of the elevated PM2.5 levels in cities like Gurgaon and are continuously working with local bodies to implement mitigation measures," an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said. Experts pointed out that most of Haryana's air quality monitoring stations have been offline since Dec 2024, and it is likely that pollution levels logged in Gurgaon may be under-estimated because of it. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, "The fact that cities are breaching the WHO threshold so early in the year highlights how ineffective our pollution control strategies have been. The overshoot day metric shows that the problem is systemic. We need a far more aggressive and coordinated approach if we are serious about protecting public health."
News18
11-07-2025
- General
- News18
Delhi Second Most Polluted City In The First Half Of 2025. Who's At Number One?
Last Updated: Delhi ranks as the second most polluted city in India for early 2025, with Byrnihat leading. CREA reports 88% of cities exceed WHO PM2.5 standards. Delhi has been ranked the second most polluted city in India for the first half of 2025, according to a new analysis released by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The capital recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 87 µg/m³, far exceeding both national and international air quality standards. But topping the list is a lesser-known town — Byrnihat, located on the Assam–Meghalaya border, which emerged as India's most polluted city during this period. With an alarming average PM2.5 level of 133 µg/m³, Byrnihat spent most of its days in the 'Very Poor' air category and did not record a single 'Good' air quality day. The half-yearly report, based on data from 293 cities with Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS), paints a grim picture. While 122 cities exceeded India's annual PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 µg/m³, every single one of the 239 cities with sufficient data surpassed the World Health Organization's (WHO) limit of 5 µg/m³. The report also introduces the concept of 'overshoot day" — the date by which a city's pollution levels ensure that it will violate annual air quality limits, even if emissions were drastically cut for the rest of the year. Delhi breached the WHO standard by January 10, and crossed the Indian NAAQS by June 5, locking in non-compliance for the full year. Despite recent policy efforts like vehicle bans on older cars, CREA analysts warn that targeting vehicles or dust alone is insufficient. Research from IIT Delhi and the PRANA portal shows a broad spread of contributors to Delhi's PM2.5 levels: Transport (17%–28%), Dust (17%–38%), Industrial sources and power plants (22%–30%), Residential combustion (8%–10%) and Agricultural burning (4%–7%). 'Addressing the air quality crisis in any Indian city requires a multi-sectoral approach. Fragmented or seasonal measures are not enough," said Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. 'Urgent steps are needed to update national standards, expand the NCAP's coverage to gaseous pollutants, and enforce pollution controls across all major sources." The report also highlights other cities in the top 10 most polluted list: Hajipur, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Sasaram, Patna, Talcher, Rourkela, and Rajgir. Bihar alone accounts for four of these cities, followed by Odisha with two. The findings reflect a widespread air pollution crisis, not confined to Delhi or northern India. With over 88% of cities overshooting the WHO annual PM2.5 standard by June, CREA's findings underline the urgent need for updated regulations, broader enforcement, and sustained multi-sector action to safeguard public health. view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 15:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
18-06-2025
- Science
- News18
Delhi Set To 'Water Down' Pollution Problem, First Artificial Rain Pilot To Take Off Soon
Last Updated: The pilot project will be executed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, which will provide all the scientific, technical, and operational support for this intervention The Delhi government is ready to commence an artificial rain pilot project with all necessary scientific systems and clearances in place to fight the capital's persistent air pollution problem. The cloud seeding flights will start as soon as suitable weather conditions—especially cloud moisture and depth—are observed over targeted zones, the Delhi government announced on Wednesday. The pilot—"Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation"—will be executed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, which will provide all the scientific, technical, and operational support for this intervention. In addition, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also formally conveyed its support for the project, confirming meteorological feasibility over the National Capital Region (NCR). The IMD also agreed to provide real-time data on cloud type, altitude, wind conditions, and dew point to aid planning. Cloud Seeding: The Science and Process For the artificial rains, IIT Kanpur will deploy specially equipped Cessna aircraft with flare-based seeding systems using a proprietary formulation made of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. A maximum of five sorties are planned, with each flight covering 100 sq km and lasting at least 1 hour and 30 minutes over non-sensitive zones of northwest and outer Delhi, excluding restricted airspace. Final flight plan clearance is still pending and will be needed and obtained later. Real-time impact on air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) will be measured using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) placed in and around the seeding zones. IIT Kanpur has already conducted seven successful in-house cloud seeding experiments between April and July in drought-prone regions using the same aircraft and flare systems. 'This pilot project in Delhi builds on those trials with a specific focus on pollution mitigation. The idea is not just to induce rain but to evaluate if such precipitation meaningfully reduces particulate matter concentration in ambient air. The project will contribute to a body of evidence for potential future use in other polluted urban regions," the government said. Nimbostratus (Ns) clouds are the most suitable for seeding experiments, usually between 500 and 6,000 metres above ground level. Clouds will have 50% or higher moisture content. IIT Kanpur has developed a custom seeding mixture containing pure nanoparticles of silver iodide, powdered rock salt, iodised salt, and a free-flowing agent that combines hygroscopic and glaciogenic cloud-seeding capabilities. Seeding mixture requirements will vary according to moisture content. The total estimated cost of the pilot project is Rs 3.21 crore and is being fully funded by Delhi's Department of Environment. This initiative underscores Delhi's resolve to harness cutting-edge science to deliver cleaner air and a healthier environment for its residents. 'Right to Clean Air' Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said when they speak about 'Right to Clean Air", they mean it. 'From anti-smog guns and sprinklers to strict dust mitigation norms at construction sites, we are pushing every boundary… This pilot project is not just about artificial rain; it's about scientific courage and environmental justice," he said. top videos View All The minister said all preparations are complete except a few minor operational clearances. 'Now, we're just waiting for the right clouds to appear. The moment the weather cooperates, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain. We are not just fighting pollution—we are building a blueprint for the future," he said. About the Author Nivedita Singh tags : air pollution artificial rain cloud seeding delhi Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 19, 2025, 00:25 IST News cities Delhi Set To 'Water Down' Pollution Problem, First Artificial Rain Pilot To Take Off Soon
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
‘All clearances in place for artificial rain pilot'
New Delhi: Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday said the artificial rain pilot is ready for execution, with all scientific systems and clearances in place. He mentioned that the cloud seeding flights will commence when suitable weather conditions—especially cloud moisture and depth—are observed over targeted zones. "All preparations are complete except for a few minor operational clearances. Now, we're just waiting for the right clouds to appear. The moment the weather cooperates, Delhi will witness its first artificial rain. This is a national-first experiment rooted in science, executed with military-grade precision, and evaluated in real time," Sirsa said. India Meteorological Department has confirmed cloud feasibility and will provide real-time data on cloud type, altitude, wind conditions, and dew point to aid planning. As the pilot project will be executed in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur, the institute will deploy specially equipped Cessna aircraft with flare-based seeding systems using a proprietary formulation made of Silver Iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt. A maximum of five sorties are planned, with each flight covering 100 sq km and lasting at least 1 hour and 30 minutes over non-sensitive zones of northwest and outer Delhi. "Flights will avoid restricted airspace such as VIP-89 (Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament, PM residence), as per standard aviation protocol. However, real-time impact on air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) will be measured using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) placed in and around the seeding zones," Sirsa added. TNN
