Delhi-NCR To Expand Air Quality Monitoring Network

13 Feb 2026 CW Team

Six of the new stations have been installed in Delhi, while seven in Haryana, four in Rajasthan and 10 in Uttar Pradesh are being installed. The existing network includes 40 stations in Delhi, 22 in Haryana-NCR, four in Rajasthan-NCR and 18 in Uttar Pradesh-NCR. Staged installation will maintain continuity and allow validation of data streams.

Deliberations set scientific criteria to ensure monitoring density reflects population distribution and land use, including residential, traffic, industrial and background areas. Urban contiguity and rapid peri-urban expansion were considered, with a shift towards grid-based spatial coverage to provide even representation. Background and border stations were identified as necessary to understand pollutant transport and baseline conditions affecting Delhi-NCR.

Norms have been framed for Delhi and contiguous cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Sonepat, targeting approximately one station per 25 sq. km grid, defined as a five km by five km area, while other district headquarters will have one station per 50 sq. km. Coverage in peri-urban and suburban areas is critical for assessing inflow and outflow of pollution and the impact of urban sprawl on regional air quality. The grid approach is intended to balance population based needs with land use and deployment considerations.

On this basis, 46 additional stations, including 14 in Delhi, 16 in Haryana, one in Rajasthan and 15 in Uttar Pradesh, shall be installed to strengthen the monitoring infrastructure and ensure uniform coverage across Delhi-NCR. The total number of CAAQMS would rise to 157, comprising 60 in Delhi, 45 in Haryana, nine in Rajasthan and 43 in Uttar Pradesh. The Commission concluded that a dense and robust monitoring network is vital for identifying pollution sources, tracking trends and enabling timely policy action to mitigate air pollution in the region.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Delhi-NCR air quality monitoring framework is being strengthened by augmenting the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) network to improve spatial coverage and data reliability. The initiative will enhance real-time surveillance and support policy for pollution abatement. The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has reviewed the planned addition of 27 new CAAQMS above the existing 84 stations. Six of the new stations have been installed in Delhi, while seven in Haryana, four in Rajasthan and 10 in Uttar Pradesh are being installed. The existing network includes 40 stations in Delhi, 22 in Haryana-NCR, four in Rajasthan-NCR and 18 in Uttar Pradesh-NCR. Staged installation will maintain continuity and allow validation of data streams. Deliberations set scientific criteria to ensure monitoring density reflects population distribution and land use, including residential, traffic, industrial and background areas. Urban contiguity and rapid peri-urban expansion were considered, with a shift towards grid-based spatial coverage to provide even representation. Background and border stations were identified as necessary to understand pollutant transport and baseline conditions affecting Delhi-NCR. Norms have been framed for Delhi and contiguous cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Sonepat, targeting approximately one station per 25 sq. km grid, defined as a five km by five km area, while other district headquarters will have one station per 50 sq. km. Coverage in peri-urban and suburban areas is critical for assessing inflow and outflow of pollution and the impact of urban sprawl on regional air quality. The grid approach is intended to balance population based needs with land use and deployment considerations. On this basis, 46 additional stations, including 14 in Delhi, 16 in Haryana, one in Rajasthan and 15 in Uttar Pradesh, shall be installed to strengthen the monitoring infrastructure and ensure uniform coverage across Delhi-NCR. The total number of CAAQMS would rise to 157, comprising 60 in Delhi, 45 in Haryana, nine in Rajasthan and 43 in Uttar Pradesh. The Commission concluded that a dense and robust monitoring network is vital for identifying pollution sources, tracking trends and enabling timely policy action to mitigate air pollution in the region.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..