New Delhi’s annual battle with toxic air has once again pushed the capital into a severe pollution crisis. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply from 130 on October 1 to 428 by November 11, before slightly easing to 327 on November 26, still categorized as ‘Very Poor.’
Farm Fires: Seasonal Contributor, Not the Whole Story
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for Delhi’s air pollution, particularly during the peak smog season. However, data from the Decision Support System (DSS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences paints a more nuanced picture.
In early October, farm fires had almost no impact on Delhi’s air. By October 17, their contribution rose to 2.62%, coinciding with AQI crossing 250. In November, the situation intensified:
- November 12: Farm fires contributed 22.47%; AQI surged to 418 (‘Severe’).
- November 18-20: Contribution fluctuated between 5.4% and 2.8%, yet AQI remained above 325.
These figures suggest that while stubble burning plays a significant role on peak smog days, it is far from being the sole culprit.
Other Major Contributors
DSS data identifies additional sources of pollution:
- Nearby cities (Gautam Buddha Nagar, Gurgaon, Karnal, Meerut, and others) contribute 29.5%.
- Transport emissions account for 19.7%.
- Residential emissions: 4.8%
- Peripheral industries: 3.7%
- Construction dust: 2.9%
Alarmingly, 34.8% of pollution is attributed to unknown sources, highlighting the challenge of controlling Delhi’s air quality without fully tracing the origins of contamination.
Experts emphasize that while measures to curb stubble burning are important, comprehensive solutions addressing transport, urban planning, and industrial emissions are critical to effectively tackle Delhi’s worsening air crisis.