Jitendra Singh inaugurates AATAL, a first-of-its-kind air pollution analysis laboratory for Delhi NCR
24 October 2026
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the world's first-of-its-kind 'Air Pollution Analysis' facility for Delhi NCR.
The facility is called the Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) and is also equipped to identify real-time sources of air pollution.
The inauguration took place at the Delhi Branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and the facility has been established under 'Mission Mausam'.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the laboratory goes beyond AQI numbers to reveal what is polluting Delhi's air, where it is coming from and its potential health implications.
It is integrated with AIRWISE to strengthen real-time source apportionment, air-quality forecasting and scientific decision-making, and is to support the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and pollution-control agencies in targeting interventions.
In plain words
IITM Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology — A Ministry of Earth Sciences institute at Pune that works on monsoon and atmospheric research.
CAQM Commission for Air Quality Management — The statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.