New Delhi, Oct 24: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Saturday inaugurated an integrated air pollution analysis facility in Delhi-NCR that can identify pollution sources in real time and assess the chemical composition and potential toxicity of pollutants.
The facility, named the Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL), has been established at the Delhi branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under Mission Mausam.
Describing it as a first-of-its-kind facility globally, Dr Jitendra Singh said it would help authorities move beyond measuring pollution levels to understanding the sources, composition and health implications of pollutants. “Earlier, the discussion would largely revolve around whether the pollution level was 100 or 200. This facility will help us understand the composition of pollution as well as the contribution of different sources,” he said.
The laboratory will help scientists distinguish between pollution caused by vehicles, industries, biomass and crop-residue burning, construction activities, road dust and pollutants transported from neighbouring regions.
During a media interaction, Dr Jitendra Singh cited a real-time assessment displayed on a screen, which showed transport contributing around 25 per cent of Delhi’s air pollution, with the overall pollution level at approximately 180. He said such information would help authorities take targeted measures based on the actual sources of pollution.
Equipped with advanced instruments, AATAL will analyse fine particulate matter (PM2.5), atmospheric gases, metals, toxic elements and other pollutants to help scientists understand their composition and potential health effects.
The facility is integrated with IITM’s AIRWISE (Air Quality Warning and Integrated Decision Support System for Emissions), which combines air-quality observations, forecasts and pollution-source information. The system provides forecasts for the next 72 hours at a spatial resolution of 400 metres, enabling pollution levels and their likely sources to be assessed across different parts of Delhi.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the initiative reflected a coordinated approach involving scientific institutions, environmental authorities and pollution-control agencies to address air pollution.
Dr Sachin Ghude, Project Director, MAQWS, said the facility would provide scientific evidence to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and other agencies to identify major pollution sources, plan targeted interventions and assess their effectiveness.
The information is expected to support air-quality management measures, including preventive action under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The inauguration was attended by Earth Sciences Secretary T Srinivasa Kumar, IITM Director A Suryachandra Rao and India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
