New Delhi – Delhi is set to significantly expand its environmental surveillance capabilities with the addition of six new air quality monitoring stations in strategically selected green zones across the capital. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Thursday that commissioning of these continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) is expected by January 15, following delays caused by tendering complications.
Network Expansion Details
The introduction of six new air quality monitoring stations will substantially enhance Delhi’s pollution tracking infrastructure. Once operational, the total number of stations under the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will increase from 24 to 30, while the city’s overall monitoring network will expand from 40 to 46 stations. This expansion represents a significant investment in environmental data collection and analysis capabilities.
Currently, the city’s air quality monitoring stations are distributed among multiple agencies. Sixteen stations are operated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), eight by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and two by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The six new air quality monitoring stations will add to DPCC’s existing network, strengthening localized pollution tracking capabilities.
Strategic Location Selection
The placement of these air quality monitoring stations follows a deliberate strategy focused on greener, relatively cleaner areas of Delhi. Three of the six stations will be established within green academic campuses: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), and Netaji Subhash University (West Campus). These educational institutions provide ideal locations due to their expansive green spaces and relatively lower pollution exposure.
The remaining three air quality monitoring stations will be positioned in ecologically significant zones. One station will be installed deep inside the Central Ridge at the ISRO Earth station near Malcha Mahal, another at Delhi Cantonment, and the third at the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex in east Delhi. These locations were specifically chosen for being free of encumbrances, with no construction or legal impediments that could delay deployment.
Overcoming Tendering Challenges
The rollout of these air quality monitoring stations faced significant procedural hurdles. Originally scheduled for completion by August, the project encountered delays during the tendering process. An initial tender issued in June attracted only one bidder, which was subsequently rejected by authorities. The DPCC then issued a second tender, which concluded successfully with multiple bidders participating.
Minister Sirsa explained the timeline: “The bidding process was completed successfully and this time, the work order has also been awarded. Work will be completed in two months and we plan to commission the stations by January 15.” The minister had first announced the plan on April 15, with the initial deadline set for August to ensure the air quality monitoring stations would be fully operational by winter.
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Comprehensive Monitoring Capabilities
The new air quality monitoring stations will feature advanced equipment capable of measuring an extensive range of pollutants and meteorological parameters. Minister Sirsa detailed the comprehensive monitoring capabilities: “The pollutants measured will include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NO, NO2, NOₓ), ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene).”
Beyond pollutant tracking, these air quality monitoring stations will also collect crucial meteorological data. Wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and solar radiation will all be continuously monitored, providing valuable context for understanding pollution patterns and dispersion.
Third-Party Operations and Maintenance
The six new air quality monitoring stations will be operated and maintained by a third-party vendor selected through the competitive bidding process. This operational model ensures professional management with 24×7 operations, routine and preventive maintenance, and periodic calibration according to recognized protocols. The contract includes provisions for security, continuous technical support, and stringent penalties for prolonged downtime or non-performance.
According to tender documents, the winning bidders will operate and maintain the air quality monitoring stations for the next 10 years. Once the contract is finalized, the DPCC and environment department will hand over the six sites for construction, operationalization, and long-term upkeep, ensuring continuity and reliability in data collection.
Strategic Environmental Impact
An environment department official confirmed that selected locations are “free of any encumbrances for the winning bidders,” facilitating smooth deployment of the air quality monitoring stations. The strategic placement in greener or low-pollution zones may influence the city’s overall average air quality index (AQI), potentially providing a more comprehensive picture of pollution distribution across Delhi.
Minister Sirsa emphasized the broader environmental significance: “By expanding our high-quality monitoring network, Delhi is building a stronger safety net around the national capital and moving towards cleaner air through evidence-based decisions.” The expanded network of air quality monitoring stations will enable more precise identification of pollution sources and better-informed policy interventions.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The revised commissioning schedule targets January 15, placing the air quality monitoring stations operational during the peak pollution season when monitoring is most critical. This timing will allow immediate utilization of the enhanced monitoring capabilities during winter months when Delhi typically experiences its worst air quality episodes.
