Dust, industrial & vehicle emissions top contributors to Faridabad air pollution
Faridabad: A first of its kind study in Faridabad shows that the NCR city's air is a swirl of road and construction dust, and industrial and vehicular emissions – the three largest contributors to pollution throughout the year.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The study, conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for Municipal Corporation of Faridabad under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), estimated that road and construction dust contributes up to 51% of PM10 pollutant.
Industrial emissions – primarily from coal and diesel combustion — account for 38% of PM2.5, the more dangerous and lung-penetrating particulate matter (PM).
Vehicular pollution is responsible for 91% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) — gases that contribute to smog and exacerbate respiratory illnesses — as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs).
Tailpipe emissions make up for 7% of PM10 and 10% of PM2.5, the study titled 'Ambient Air Pollution Source Apportionment Study of Faridabad' found.
"This report provides Faridabad with a scientific foundation for policy and regulatory decisions and underscores the need for urgent and sustained action to improve public health and quality of life in the city," said Ved Prakash Sharma, one of the lead researchers of the study.
Pollution, round the year in the city
According to the report, the dominant pollutant at a specific time changes as seasons shift. Dust, for instance, accounts for the largest chunk of pollution in the summer months because dry winds aid its suspension.
In winter, pollution spikes as cold weather and calm winds allow PM2.5 and PM10 – released from farm fires, among other sources -- to linger in the air.
The study highlighted that 40% of winter pollution originates outside the city's borders, underscoring the need for regional coordination and inter-city policies.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"During winter, stubble burning from farms is a key contributor to pollution in Faridabad, as is the case for most of Delhi-NCR. It also depends on the wind direction," Sharma said.
The researcher said this contrast between summer and winter pollution profiles must prompt govts to take a dynamic approach for mitigating pollution. "In summer, govt must prioritise dust suppression measures such as mechanised street sweeping, water sprinkling, and enforcing construction site controls.
On the other hand, winter pollution is largely driven by vehicular emissions, biomass burning and industrial activity.
So, stricter enforcement of emission norms becomes critical. A one-size-fits-all policy won't work," Sharma said.
Despite the seasonal variations, pollution levels were high all year long.
The TERI study – which assessed air quality at industrial, residential, commercial, kerbside and background sites during summer and winter – found that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were far beyond India's safe limits.
In summer 2022, average PM10 was 305-364 µg/m³. The limit is 100 µg/m³.
Similarly, in the winter of 2023, PM2.5 scaled 126 µg/m³, more than twice the maximum limit of 60 µg/m³.
Warning, and the way ahead
If the current trends persist, Sharma said, particulate matter emissions are likely to increase 57-65% by 2035.
But, if the city gets its act together, it could significantly reduce pollution, the study said. Possible interventions listed for the transport sector include shifting to electric vehicles, phasing out older diesel vehicles, addressing issues that lead to regular traffic jams at specific spots, introducing high rates for parking on roads and increasing penalties for violating norms.
To reduce residential and industrial emissions, the report says the focus must remain on switching to cleaner fuels such as LPG and solar instead of traditional coal-powered systems.
Similarly, the ban on open waste burning must be enforced and use of diesel generators should be reduced sharply. Construction sites must follow all norms to manage dust pollution, and cities should consider regular mechanised sweeping and developing green belts, the study points out.
If Faridabad manages to meet its goals, PM10 level in winter can be 43% lower than the existing average by 2035, and PM2.5 can be halved.
"If Faridabad rigorously implements the full suite of interventions, the city can not only reduce winter PM2.5 levels by over 40% but also meet the daily safe limits for both PM10 and PM2.5 by 2035. This is a realistic and achievable target, but it requires sustained political will, inter-agency coordination, and year-round enforcement," said Sharma said.
Until now, Delhi was the only NCR city where source apportionment analysis was carried out regularly to pinpoint key causes of pollution.
Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said such research is crucial for developing "effective strategies" to reduce pollution.
Faridabad was the only Haryana district to be tagged as a 'non-attainment' city under Centre's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) because it consistently failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
The city was subsequently given the target of reducing PM concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, using 2017 levels as the baseline.
A regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board told TOI that the agency has received the TERI report.
"A detailed roadmap for air quality improvement using all possible measures has been suggested," the official said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Air quality in Indira Nagar, Panchavati better than other areas of Nashik city
Nashik: For the past few days, residents of Indira Nagar and Panchavati in Nashik have enjoyed better air quality compared to other parts of the city. Data from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) shows that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in these two areas consistently registered in the good category. In contrast, areas like Gangapur Road, Ambad MIDC, and other parts of Nashik recorded AQI levels in the satisfied category. The overall average AQI for Nashik city also fell into the satisfied category. Nashik's average AQI has shown improvement over the last two months, shifting from moderate to satisfied, largely attributed to recent rains. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 1 and 50 is considered good, indicating minimal impact on health. An AQI between 51 and 100 is deemed satisfied, which may cause minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals. An AQI between 101 and 200 is moderate and causes breathing discomfort to people with lung or heart disease, children, and older adults. The AQI between 201 and 300 is poor and causes breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. The AQI of Indira Nagar areas of Nashik city was 48 on Sunday afternoon, against an AQI of 61 on June 1. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like local network access control Esseps Learn More Undo The AQI of Panchavati areas was 49 on Sunday afternoon, against an AQI of 89 on June 1. The AQI of Gangapur Road areas on Sunday afternoon was recorded at 76 as against 53 on June 1. The AQI of Ambad MIDC areas was 77 on Sunday afternoon, against an AQI of 101 on June 1. Officials from the MPCB said the city experienced rainfall for the past few days, causing the dust particles to settle on the soil, which led to the improvement of the air quality. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) also undertook various measures to improve the air quality of the city from the funds under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) of the centre. The NMC has so far received Rs89 crore from the Centre under the NCAP. "The civic body has spent around Rs55 crore on the projects to improve the air quality of the city," a civic official said. The projects under NCAP include construction of an electric bus depot, EV charging stations, a construction waste recycling plant, electric crematoriums, increasing green cover roadside, among others. These projects are expected to be implemented in the next two years. Also, of the total 250 city buses deployed by the NMC for the city bus service, 200 are CNG-operated and 50 are diesel-operated.
Economic Times
13-06-2025
- Economic Times
Rajasthan weather alert: Severe heatwave to persist for next few days, IMD predicts
Temperature remains high in Rajasthan Relief likely after 48 hours Northwest India under heatwave watch Multiple states affected by heatwave Live Events Orange and yellow alerts issued across Rajasthan Dust storms and thunderstorms predicted (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Heatwave and severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across parts of western and northern Rajasthan for the next 2–3 days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The highest temperature in the country on Friday was recorded in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, at 47.8°C. However, the IMD has also indicated that pre-monsoon activity may bring some relief in parts of East Rajasthan from June Shyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, told PTI, "In the last 24 hours, the temperature has increased by 1–2°C in many parts of the state. Heat waves, severe heat waves, and warm night conditions will likely continue for the next 2–3 days, especially in parts of western and northern Rajasthan. The highest maximum temperature reported in Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) is 47.8 degrees Celsius."Sharma added that some parts of the state may begin to experience pre-monsoon activity in the next 24 to 48 hours. "After the next 24 to 48 hours, pre-monsoon activities will begin in some parts of the state. The monsoon activity has already increased in the last 2 days. In the coming days, conditions are favourable for the monsoon to progress in some parts of eastern and central India. We will see in Rajasthan as well. So, from June 15 to pre-monsoon activities in some parts of East Rajasthan. There will be a rise, and the temperature will drop by 2–4°C," he to the IMD, a gradual reduction in heatwave intensity over northwest India is expected starting June 14. The forecast stated that no significant temperature change is expected over northwest and central India in the next three days, followed by a likely fall of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius from Rajasthan, heatwave conditions have also been reported in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, as well as in isolated parts of East Rajasthan, South Uttar Pradesh, and Northwest Madhya June 10, the IMD issued an orange alert for Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Yellow warnings were issued for Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, and further said, "Strong south-west winds, carrying dust, will prevail in the region for two to three days. Eastern Rajasthan may experience thunderstorm activities from June 15–16, bringing possible relief from the heat. A drop in temperature is expected in eastern Rajasthan around June 18–20 due to thunderstorm activities."(Inputs from PTI)
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Rajasthan weather alert: Severe heatwave to persist for next few days, IMD predicts
Rajasthan is bracing for continued heat. The India Meteorological Department forecasts heat waves for the next few days, especially in western and northern areas. Sri Ganganagar recorded a scorching 47.8 degrees Celsius. Relief is expected soon. Pre-monsoon activities are predicted to start around June 15, bringing a temperature drop. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Temperature remains high in Rajasthan Relief likely after 48 hours Northwest India under heatwave watch Multiple states affected by heatwave Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Orange and yellow alerts issued across Rajasthan Dust storms and thunderstorms predicted Heatwave and severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across parts of western and northern Rajasthan for the next 2–3 days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The highest temperature in the country on Friday was recorded in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, at 47.8°C. However, the IMD has also indicated that pre-monsoon activity may bring some relief in parts of East Rajasthan from June Shyam Sharma, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, told PTI, "In the last 24 hours, the temperature has increased by 1–2°C in many parts of the state. Heat waves, severe heat waves, and warm night conditions will likely continue for the next 2–3 days, especially in parts of western and northern Rajasthan. The highest maximum temperature reported in Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) is 47.8 degrees Celsius."Sharma added that some parts of the state may begin to experience pre-monsoon activity in the next 24 to 48 hours. "After the next 24 to 48 hours, pre-monsoon activities will begin in some parts of the state. The monsoon activity has already increased in the last 2 days. In the coming days, conditions are favourable for the monsoon to progress in some parts of eastern and central India. We will see in Rajasthan as well. So, from June 15 to pre-monsoon activities in some parts of East Rajasthan. There will be a rise, and the temperature will drop by 2–4°C," he to the IMD, a gradual reduction in heatwave intensity over northwest India is expected starting June 14. The forecast stated that no significant temperature change is expected over northwest and central India in the next three days, followed by a likely fall of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius from Rajasthan, heatwave conditions have also been reported in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, as well as in isolated parts of East Rajasthan, South Uttar Pradesh, and Northwest Madhya June 10, the IMD issued an orange alert for Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Yellow warnings were issued for Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli, and further said, "Strong south-west winds, carrying dust, will prevail in the region for two to three days. Eastern Rajasthan may experience thunderstorm activities from June 15–16, bringing possible relief from the heat. A drop in temperature is expected in eastern Rajasthan around June 18–20 due to thunderstorm activities."(Inputs from PTI)
