Delhi carbon monoxide hits four-year high for Jan-May period, analysts push for electric public transport

Delhi recorded its highest average carbon monoxide concentration for the January to May period since 2022, according to data from think tank Envirocatalysts. The average CO level reached 1.89 mg per cubic metre, close to the Indian standard limit of 2 mg/NM3. The analysis points to rising vehicle numbers and local combustion as the main drivers, with experts calling for a shift to cleaner electric public transport to reduce pollution and improve health outcomes. Elevated CO exposure reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs and can cause headaches, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly. The article underscores that curbing private vehicle use and expanding electric transit would not only lower emissions but also make the city more walkable and less congested. For those tracking urban air quality and transport decarbonization, this is a concrete case of how emissions data directly informs policy needs.