Diwali 2026 records 257 µg/m³ PM2.5, fourth most polluted since 2016
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Air quality management and structural drivers of pollution: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
Dr. Manoj Kumar of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported that Diwali 2026 recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 257 µg/m³, ranking as the fourth most polluted Diwali since 2016.
Background
The daily average PM2.5 concentration recorded during Diwali 2026 was 257 µg/m³. Environmentalists Abhiir Bhalla and Siddhant Sarang identified year-round industrial and vehicular emissions as the primary drivers of Delhi's air quality crisis.
Facts for Prelims
- FactDiwali 2026 PM2.5 concentration: 257 µg/m³
- BodyCentre for Research on Energy and Clean Air: Body providing the pollution data
Prelims practice question
Which body provided the data regarding the PM2.5 concentration recorded during Diwali 2026?
- (a)Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air
- (b)Central Pollution Control Board
- (c)National Institute of Environmental Sciences
- (d)Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show answer
Answer: (a) Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air — The note states that Dr. Manoj Kumar of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported the PM2.5 concentration.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the structural drivers of Delhi's persistent air pollution, evaluating the effectiveness of seasonal measures against year-round industrial and vehicular emissions.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Source attribution: Distinguishing between episodic firecracker spikes and chronic industrial/vehicular emission loads
- Regulatory friction: Balancing industrial output with stringent air quality standards in the NCR region
Keywords: PM2.5 concentration · atmospheric pollution · industrial emissions · vehicular pollutants · air quality management
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.