The cost-efficient abatement strategy for primary PM2.5 emissions between sectors in Delhi to reach the national air quality standard : a static model approach using the current legislation baseline scenario

Abstract: High level of ambient PM2.5 concentration in cities have negative health implications for the population. Delhi have concentration levels above defined national standards as well as air quality guidelines defined by the WHO. The study estimates sector specific MAC functions for sectors in Delhi contributing to the primary PM2.5 emissions, to find the cost-efficient strategy to reach the national air quality standard for annual population-weighted mean concentration. Different scenarios will be tested giving primary emissions from sectors in Delhi different levels of responsibility in the abatement strategy. The cost-minimization problem is conducted using economic programming with bottom up emission calculations and abatement data based on the GAINS model. Actual data from monitoring stations in Delhi is used to compare with the model estimations and used to derive a regression model with meteorological factors and seasonal dummy variables to further evaluate cost efficiency. For reaching the policy goal, most measures available must be implemented across the sectors giving primary emissions the share of the reduction it contributes. The regression model shows relationship between the concentration and the exogenic meteorological factors including the seasonal dummy variables. The results indicate that variation in activity rates or other seasonal dependent variables not included in the model effect the concentration between the seasons.