Environmental NGO Chintan’s research revealed a much ignored contributor to Delhi’s winter pollution: security guards burning solid waste to keep themselves warm in the bitter cold. The idea then, if pollution is to be battled, is to ensure this source of carbon pollutants is properly stemmed. It is an idea that has found favour in the Urban Labs Innovation Challenge, an effort of Delhi government and University of Chicago to improve the air and water quality in the capital.

Chintan’s studies in south Delhi colonies established that burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) resulted in roughly 10% of PM2.5 (fine, respirable particles) and PM10 (coarser pollutants) in winters, with 17% of it attributable to the fires lit by security guards.

According to the study, up to 3% of the capital’s daily generation of 8,390 tonne of MSW was being openly burned in this manner, creating 2,000 kg/day of PM10 and around 1,800 kg of PM2.5.

Continue reading at The Times of India…

Read More

Areas of Focus: Environment
Definition
Environment
Producing and using energy damages people’s health and the environment. EPIC research is quantifying the social costs of energy choices and uncovering policies that help protect health while facilitating growth.
Air Pollution
Definition
Air Pollution
Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. EPIC research is using real-world data to calculate the effects of air pollution on human health...
Definition
Air Pollution
Definition
Air Pollution
Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. EPIC research is using real-world data to calculate the effects of air pollution on human health...