A Critical Study of Air Pollution and Air Quality in Delhi

Registration ID: IJNRD_322088

Published ID: IJNRD2603460

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Dr Maroof Bashir, Ashlesha G. Mulay, PRATHAMESH GANESH DOKE, Vaibhav dukare

Air Pollution; Air Quality Index; Delhi; Environmental Governance; Public Health; Sustainable Development; Improvement; Population growth; Seasonal factor; Existing Government Policies; Particulate Matter (PM).

Air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges confronting urban India, with the National Capital Territory of Delhi consistently recording air quality levels that frequently fall within the “poor,” “very poor,” and “severe” categories. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, unplanned development, and increasing energy consumption have collectively intensified the burden on Delhi’s ambient air quality. The persistent exposure of residents to high concentrations of particulate matter and toxic pollutants has resulted in serious health consequences, including respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced life expectancy, thereby making air pollution not merely an environmental issue but also a critical socio-economic and human rights concern. This study undertakes a critical examination of the causes of air pollution and the prevailing air quality conditions in Delhi, with particular emphasis on the role of regulatory mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and governance responses. Adopting a doctrinal and analytical research methodology, the study is based on secondary data drawn from government and regulatory authority reports, air quality index data, statutory provisions, policy documents, judicial pronouncements, and relevant scholarly literature. Such an approach enables a comprehensive evaluation of the legal and administrative measures adopted to address air pollution, as well as an assessment of their effectiveness in practice. The analysis identifies multiple and interrelated sources contributing to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. These include vehicular emissions arising from a high density of private vehicles, emissions from industrial units and thermal power plants, dust generated from large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, and seasonal biomass burning, particularly stubble burning in neighbouring states. In addition, unfavourable meteorological conditions during winter months, such as temperature inversion and low wind speed, significantly aggravate pollution levels, resulting in pronounced seasonal variations in air quality. The cumulative impact of these factors has led to recurrent air pollution crises, especially during the post-monsoon and winter periods. The findings of the study reveal that although India possesses a comprehensive legal and policy framework for environmental protection—including air pollution control statutes, national action plans, and judicial interventions—their implementation remains largely ineffective. Weak enforcement mechanisms, inadequate monitoring infrastructure, institutional inefficiencies, and poor coordination among central, state, and local authorities continue to undermine effective air quality management. Moreover, the fragmented approach to governance, particularly the lack of sustained inter-state coordination in addressing transboundary pollution sources, has further limited the success of regulatory efforts. The study highlights a significant gap between policy formulation and actual implementation, pointing to deficiencies in regulatory accountability and compliance. It argues that judicial directions and policy initiatives, while progressive in intent, often suffer from inconsistent execution and lack of long-term planning. In conclusion, the study emphasises the urgent need for strengthening enforcement mechanisms, improving institutional capacity, enhancing inter-state and inter-agency coordination, and promoting sustainable transport and cleaner energy alternatives. It further advocates for the adoption of data-driven, preventive, and participatory policy approaches to ensure effective air quality governance, protect public health, and promote sustainable urban development in Delhi.

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Dr Maroof Bashir, Ashlesha G. Mulay, PRATHAMESH GANESH DOKE, & Vaibhav dukare (March-2026). A Critical Study of Air Pollution and Air Quality in Delhi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NOVEL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, 11(3), e451-e472. https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2603460.pdf

Volume 11 Issue 3, March-2026

Pages : e451-e472

Paper Reg. ID: IJNRD_322088

Published Paper Id: IJNRD2603460

Research Area: Other area not in list

Author Type: Indian Author

Country: Panvel, Maharashtra, India

Published Paper PDF: https://ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2603460.pdf

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