World's First Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) Launched in Delhi NCR

Key facts

• The Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) was inaugurated in Delhi NCR on October 24, 2026, by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• AATAL is designed to move beyond simple AQI reporting by identifying the composition, sources, and potential health implications of air pollutants.
• The laboratory can distinguish between various sources of air pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, biomass and crop-residue burning, construction and road dust, and pollutants transported from surrounding regions.
• The facility is equipped with advanced instruments to analyze the chemical composition of atmospheric gases and aerosols, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), metals, and toxic elements.
• AATAL is integrated with IITM’s AIRWISE (Air Quality Warning and Integrated Decision Support System for Emissions), which provides air-quality forecasts at a spatial resolution of 400 meters for the next 72 hours.
• The facility was established under 'Mission Mausam' to strengthen scientific understanding of atmospheric pollution in Delhi-NCR.