ABSTRACT

The ambient air quality of Delhi was assessed for various criteria and for persistent pollutants during last decades. There have been many incentives taken by Government to improve the air quality, which include the shifting of small industries from residential locations, removal of all 15 year old vehicles, the reduction benzene content of gasoline, and the most important, the conversion of entire public transport on compressed natural gas (CNG). The present study shows that there is significant effect of these commencements and especially the ambient air concentration of CO, SO₂, BTX and PAH has reduced up to 50% during last few year. But still many pollutants including suspended particles and fine particles need to meet the maximum prescribed concentration and which demands for a proper management of air quality in Delhi. Further there is need to generate public awareness about air quality and health effects to improve air quality.