Process, Analysis, Observations and Modelling: Integrated Solutions for Cleaner Air for Delhi (PROMOTE)

Duration: October 2017- March 2022 (Ongoing).

Supported by: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

Four air quality measurement monitors procured from University of Hertfordshire (UH) were installed: Two at IRADe, Malviya Nagar (residential, road side) and the other two at The Mother’s International School, Sri Aurobindo Marg (road side, heavy traffic area). The data from the monitors was averaged to hourly calculations and was analysed. IRADe developed a health advisory in the form of a poster “Delhi Air Quality Forecast and Health Advisory”. The posters were distributed among school children and RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations) to raise awareness on AQI (Air Quality Index) and preventive measures for air pollution

Ground surveys have been conducted in slums and low-income areas of Delhi to assess the socio-economic and health impacts of air pollution on the marginalised and lower-income citizens. Surveys have been carried out at six locations, viz., Anand Vihar, Vishwas Nagar, Govind Puri, Sangam Vihar, Kathputli Colony, and Jahangir Puri, dispersed in all directions (East, West, North and South) around Delhi. These locations were selected as pollution levels in these areas frequently cross the permissible limits of pollutants and also these areas have dense slum populations. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) published by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) was reviewed.

IRADe has developed a model to project energy consumption and emissions from the transport sector and demand and supply policy options for mitigation of long-term emissions. Some of the mitigation strategies that can be analysed using the developed model are: (i) Shift from private to public transport within road; (ii) Shift from road to rail/metro; (iii) Fuel efficiency with projected cost numbers of future efficient vehicles; (iv) Introduction of EVs; (v) Use of alternate fuels; and (vi) Reduction in transport demand.

The model parameters were calibrated and current emissions projections made consistent with the latest SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) report. Based on the calibrated model, the emission intensity of Delhi, NCT, under the Business as Usual (BAU) scenario is the highest, as no policy interventions & technological improvements are undertaken after 2015. Emission intensity under the Fuel Efficiency scenario was found to be the lowest as the efficiency of the vehicle has improved under further iteration of Auto Fuel Policies. The impact of electrification in

2030 was not found to be substantial as the considered percentage of sales target in public and private vehicles accounts to a very small share of electric vehicles on road compared to conventional Internal-Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.