According to a study by the Think Tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicles in Delhi have emerged as the major reason for air pollution.

As per the report, the real-time share of vehicular emissions in air pollution has increased to over 50 percent in early winter this year. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology has generated data showing that after traffic, household sources, industries and construction are the major leading sources of pollution in the national capital.

Particulate matter is the general term for inhalable particles in the air such as aerosols, smoke, fumes, dust, ash and pollen.

Delhi government launched Red Light On, Gaadi off campaign last month to control the pollution in the city. The government requested people to turn off their engines at the red light signal.

During November 2-6, the contribution of pollution sources in NCR dominated the initial phase, going up to 70-80 percent, according to the study. Its share declined during the smog episode post-Diwali when the relative contribution of Delhi’s own sources increased.

Vehicles have emerged as the biggest real-time contributor among the local sources of winter pollution in Delhi this year.

Anumita Roy Chowdhury was quoted by Times of India saying, ‘After the closure of all coal-based power plants, expansion of natural gas usage in industry and controls on dirty fuels, vehicles have emerged as the biggest real-time contributor among all local sources of winter pollution in Delhi this year. Action on transportation has to gather strong momentum. At the same time, action on waste management, clean energy access to households, and dust control must be expedited.’