New Delhi air pollution: 22 pollution hotspots identified in the city, raising concerns

The fight against air pollution in Delhi just got more complicated. Alongside the 13 pollution hotspots identified back in 2018, nine new areas have emerged with alarmingly high PM 2.5 levels. These new pollution hotspots include familiar locations like Mandir Marg, Pusa, Nehru Nagar, Sonia Vihar, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, ITO, Patparganj, Lodhi Road (IITM station), and Alipur, each of which now joins the list of areas battling with toxic air.

While the original 13 hotspots—such as Anand Vihar, Mundka, and RK Puram—were known for their deteriorating air quality, these new areas are now recording pollution levels that rival or even exceed those of the older hotspots, according to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s real-time air quality monitoring reveals how serious the problem has become, but it’s the lack of targeted action in these new zones that’s troubling experts.

If reports are to go by, in places like Nehru Nagar, situated near Lajpat Nagar, average PM 2.5 levels reached 118 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022, 120 in 2023, and remain dangerously high at 90 micrograms per cubic meter this year—well above the national standard of 40 micrograms. Similarly, Lodhi Road (IITM station) reported concerning numbers, with 118 micrograms per cubic meter in 2022 and 75 so far this year.

Also read: 10 easiest Schengen countries to secure your visa and explore Europe

Despite the data, authorities have yet to roll out pollution mitigation measures like water sprinkling or enforcement actions against violators in these new hotspots.


As per recent reports, the newly identified locations are also struggling this year. In 2023, ITO reported a PM 2.5 concentration of 100 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Patparganj at 109, Sonia Vihar at 108, and Alipur and the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium both at 99 micrograms per cubic meter. Even popular areas like Mandir Marg and Pusa are seeing numbers well above safe limits.

Also read: 10 best places to see snowfall in India this winter

With winter approaching and pollution levels set to spike further, the spotlight is now on how quickly authorities can act to protect Delhi's air—and its people—from worsening conditions. If you are visiting Delhi, we suggest you keep a mask handy, and avoid unnecessary travel.