Citizen-Driven Air Pollution Dynamics and Adaptation in Delhi: A Remote Sensing and Air Quality Data Analysis (2018–2025)

Delhi consistently ranks among the most polluted megacities in the world, yet public discussion often centers on stubble burning or government action. This study redirects attention to the cumulative effects of citizen-driven activities—urban transport, household fuel use, fireworks, and construction dust—on Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Using openly available datasets, we integrate Sentinel-5P (TROPOMI) retrievals of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and aerosol index with Sentinel-2-derived land-cover maps and ground-based PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ observations from the Central Pollution Control Board for 2018–2025. Spatio-temporal analyses are performed in Google Earth Engine and Python to detect seasonal variations and pollution spikes, including the high-emission festive period around Diwali. Preliminary findings indicate strong NO₂ and aerosol peaks corresponding to dense traffic corridors and low-wind winter episodes, confirming that local activities substantially elevate exposure levels. The workflow demonstrates how free remote-sensing and air-quality data can support participatory environmental impact assessments and highlight adaptation-focused behavioral responses. The study underlines that effective air-quality improvement in Delhi demands not only regulatory measures but also a collective transformation in citizen practices and energy choices. The proposed workflow demonstrates how open remote-sensing and air-quality data can support participatory environmental impact assessment for rapidly urbanizing regions.