Delhi-NCR receives new air pollution analysis facility

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has inaugurated the Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) in Delhi. Described as a first-of-its-kind facility, it is designed to identify the specific composition, real-time sources, and potential health impacts of air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

Established under the Mission Mausam initiative, the laboratory moves beyond standard Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. It utilizes advanced instrumentation to distinguish between various pollution contributors, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, biomass and crop-residue burning, construction dust, and pollutants transported from neighboring regions.

The facility aims to provide real-time data and advanced forecasts to assist authorities and pollution-control agencies in implementing evidence-based, targeted interventions. During a demonstration, real-time data indicated that transport was contributing approximately 25 per cent to Delhi’s pollution at that moment.