Delhi tightens air pollution controls ahead of winter smog

New Delhi launched its annual air pollution control measures on Thursday as authorities prepared for worsening

New Delhi launched its annual air pollution control measures on Thursday as authorities prepared for worsening smog during the winter months in India’s capital, home to around 30 million people.

Air quality in the megacity typically deteriorates during winter as cooler conditions trap pollutants close to the ground. Major sources of pollution include vehicle emissions, coal-fired power plants, construction activities and the burning of crop residue in neighbouring regions.

The Delhi government announced a ban on open rubbish burning on Wednesday. It also directed food stalls to stop using coal and firewood in an effort to reduce emissions.

However, similar measures in previous years have failed to prevent severe pollution during the winter season, which generally peaks between November and January. Concentrations of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can rise to dangerous levels, posing serious risks to public health.

Air quality monitors recorded PM2.5 concentrations of 233 micrograms per cubic metre early Thursday. This was around 15 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily limit. The Commission for Air Quality Management has forecast that pollution levels will remain in the “poor” category over the coming days.

The severity of the crisis has raised concerns about its long-term health consequences. A 2024 study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimated that air pollution exceeding India’s national air quality guidelines contributed to 3.8 million deaths across the country between 2009 and 2019.

Last year, PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi reportedly peaked at 846 micrograms per cubic metre, reaching approximately 56 times the WHO’s recommended daily limit.

Children are particularly vulnerable to polluted air. The United Nations children’s agency has warned that exposure increases their risk of acute respiratory infections.

Authorities are preparing additional restrictions from November 1 to reduce traffic-related emissions. These measures include doubling parking fees and introducing work-from-home arrangements for government employees.

Tighter regulations on construction activities will also be introduced. A complete suspension of construction and demolition work is scheduled from December 10 to January 20 under the winter pollution control plan.

The authorities also plan to impose restrictions on vehicular movement and encourage greater use of public transport as part of broader efforts to limit emissions during the period of severe winter smog.