AATAL: Jitendra Singh opens IITM air pollution lab for Delhi NCR
Why in the news
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the AATAL laboratory of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) on 24 October 2026 to study air pollution in Delhi NCR.
Key facts
- Full form: Advanced Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory.
- Described as the world’s first air pollution analysis facility of its kind for Delhi NCR.
- Studies the chemical make-up of gases and aerosols, including PM2.5, metals, toxic elements and microplastics.
- Can alert health authorities about carcinogenic elements in the air.
- Combines instruments, chemical analysis, source identification and decision-support tools in one system.
- Set up under Mission Mausam.
- Present: MoES Secretary Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar, IITM Director Dr A. Suryachandra Rao and IMD Director General Dr Mahapatra.
About IITM
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology is an autonomous institute of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, headquartered in Pune. It began in 1962 as a unit of the India Meteorological Department and became autonomous as IITM in 1971. Dr A. Suryachandra Rao became its Director in June 2025.
About Mission Mausam
Mission Mausam is a central initiative launched under PM Narendra Modi; the AATAL lab is meant to improve understanding of atmospheric pollution and support air-quality management in Delhi-NCR.
Exam angle
- IITM here means Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, not IIT Madras.
- Ministry: Earth Sciences; mission: Mission Mausam.
- Remember the full form of AATAL.