Action Plans to Reduce PM2.5 Concentrations in Hotspots of Delhi-NCR Using a One-way Coupled Modeling Approach

The concentration of PM2.5 in Delhi, one the most polluted capital cities globally, frequently exceeds Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards, especially during post-monsoon and winter months. This study evaluates changes concentrations across Delhi using a way coupled model (WRF-CMAQ-AERMOD) for various hotspot-specific intervention scenarios 2018. reduced up to 15% by scaling down total emissions 20%. An additional 9% reduction entire ~28% at top ten observation-based hotspots could be achieved if industry, unpaved road dust construction selected emission are made zero. Non-local contribution city varied significantly. For example, difference reductions from citywide versus interventions is estimated 28% DU North Campus 11% Anand Vihar. average 12% was computed when MSW burning were sized 100% locations identified based on compliance complaints received Central Pollution Control Board’s online complaint portal. A marginal 4% previously implemented traffic rationing measure, odd-even rule, indicates that such regulation vehicles alone might inefficacious. results suggest stakeholders must focus – (a) source alongside wide significantly reduce ambient concentrations, (b) local non-local contributions regions outside hotspot grid needs carefully considered estimating efficacy an action plan.