Vehicular emissions are top contributors in Delhi; Experts call for actionable solutions

New Delhi: The Centre of Excellence for Research in Climate Change and Air Pollution (CERCA), part of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, convened an event on “Solution to Pollution,” which brought together eminent experts to focus on actionable solutions to Delhi’s ongoing air quality crisis.

Air quality index (AQI) levels in Delhi are soaring to alarming heights. Recent studies have confirmed that vehicular emissions are the top contributors, more so than stubble burning, road dust, or firecracker bursting.

Over 50% of local pollution has been linked to the city’s fragmented transportation system. Air pollution causes about 1.8 million deaths every year while costs Indian business about USD 95 billion (INR 7 lakh crores) every fiscal year or around 3% of India’s total GDP, as per the data.

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Duggal, Founder, of the Centre of Excellence for Research in Climate Change and Air Pollution (CERCA) said, “The challenges we face in combating air pollution are immense, and the time for action is now. By embracing clean emissions technologies, carpooling, and using solar power, individuals can make a substantial impact. Together—governments, industries, and citizens—can create a comprehensive action plan that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of air pollution.”

Sumedh Agarwal, Director, Smart & Resilient Power and Mobility, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), called for a collaborative approach to drive the adoption of zero emissions practices.

“The government’s proactive push for electric vehicle adoption, through initiatives like the PM E-Drive Scheme mark significant progress. With 25 states now embracing EV policies, we have the foundation for an EV-ready India. However, we must prioritize building charging infrastructure through collaboration among stakeholders”.

Dr K Madan Gopal, Advisor and Head, Public Health Administration, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), said, “Delhi’s air quality crisis poses severe health risks, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases while reducing life expectancy.

Addressing this crisis is critical—not just for environmental protection but also for safeguarding public health. Swift, collaborative action among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the community is essential to implementing effective solutions and securing a healthier future.”

Prof Sagnik Dey, Professor, Centre of Atmospheric Centre and Coordinator, CERCA, in a message, said, “Air Pollution can only be addressed by reducing emissions at source through sustainable mitigation measures implemented by the government, supported by technological innovation and adopted by community.”

The panels also featured experts like Jagjeet Sareen, Partner and Co-Lead, Global Climate Practice, Dalberg Advisors; Aparna Roy Fellow and Lead Climate Change and Energy at Observer Research Foundation (ORF); Swagata Dey, Policy Lead, CSTEP; Rajan Mehta, Climate Action Labs, Karthik Ganeshan, Fellow and Director, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Bhargava Krishna, Convenor, Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC).

However, PM2.5 levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual average of 5 micrograms per cubic metre are associated with 1.5 million deaths annually in India, according to a new study by the Consortium for Climate, Health, and Air Pollution Research in India (CHAIR-India).

Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study reveals that previous estimates of pollution-related deaths in India were significantly underestimated and calls for comprehensive measures to reduce PM2.5 levels. The study revealed that all 1.4 billion Indians live in areas where PM2.5 levels exceed WHO guidelines.