IIT Delhi study red-flags overlooked sources that pollute city air by 25-40%
As winter pollution looms, taking care of road dust, construction waste and garbage dumps can significantly boost clear-air efforts, says the study
by Avishek G. Dastidar · India TodayCities can reduce air pollution by up to 40 per cent by taking some low-hanging-fruit measures, such as clearing construction waste and dust and garbage, to achieve clean-air goals, an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi study has indicated.
The IIT Delhi study demonstrates significant improvements in air quality by addressing dispersed sources of pollution, such as unpaved roads, waste dumping and garbage burning. Professor Sagnik Dey, from the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT Delhi, used portable low-cost sensors (PLCS) to measure the effectiveness of targeted actions against these pollutants.
The study, released on October 3, recommends nationwide adoption of the programme. As northern India approaches the winter season—when air quality typically worsens—the study’s findings present a timely opportunity for urban local bodies to integrate the Dispersed Sources Programme (DSP) into their environmental strategies. By focusing on the often-overlooked sources of pollution, the programme offers a practical solution for enhancing air quality and safeguarding public health.
Dispersed sources of pollution—typically dust and garbage—account for 25-40 per cent of pollution in cities across North India. Despite their substantial contribution to poor air quality, these sources receive less attention compared to industrial emissions and vehicular pollution.
Under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, the DSP was implemented in partnership with urban local bodies. The programme focuses on resolving issues in two categories: long term and short term. Long-term issues, such as repairing unpaved roads, fixing broken footpaths and dividers, and addressing significant potholes, require budgetary approval and a resolution period longer than 30 days.
Short-term issues are matters that can be resolved more quickly, including the removal of illegally dumped construction waste (malba), filling small potholes and clearing garbage dumped illegally on public land.
Technology plays a crucial role in the programme, which operates via an app and dashboard essential for creating job tickets and ensuring ease of review. In Delhi, the programme runs on the MCD-311 app. Similar platforms—such as MCF 311 in Faridabad, NOIDA ONE in Noida, Complaint Handling System (CHS) in Gurugram and Ghaziabad 311 in Ghaziabad—are utilised across these cities. The programme is now active in 13 cities across Delhi, Haryana Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including the National Capital Region (NCR).
The DSP employs a specially designed three-step process. First, trained surveyors travel along defined routes to identify issues. Second, a job ticket is created and automatically allocated to the relevant city official. Third, upon resolution, the official uploads an image and closes the job ticket. This process is supported by A-PAG (Air Pollution Action Group) through regular review and monitoring.
The use of portable low-cost sensors was instrumental in capturing real-time data on pollution levels before and after interventions. This innovative approach allowed the research team to quantify the direct impact of specific actions, providing clear evidence that targeted efforts against dispersed pollution sources can lead to measurable improvements in air quality.