Title: Air quality interventions and spatial dynamics of air pollution in Delhi and its surroundings

Authors: Naresh Kumar, Andrew D. Foster

Addresses: Department of Geography, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA. ' Department of Economics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA

Abstract: The paper examines the spatial distribution of air pollution in response to recent air quality regulations in Delhi, India. Air pollution was monitored at 113 sites spread across Delhi and its surrounding areas from July–December 2003. From the analysis of these data three important findings emerge. First, air pollution levels in Delhi and its surroundings were significantly higher than that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Second, air quality regulations in the city adversely affected the air quality of the areas surrounding Delhi. Third, industries and trucks were identified as the major contributors of both fine and coarse particles.

Keywords: spatial distribution; air pollution; air quality interventions; CNG; compressed natural gas; India; Delhi; air quality regulations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2009.026886

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2009 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.85 - 111

Published online: 28 Jun 2009 *

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