Share of stubble fires in city’s air pollution still low, for now

Even as Delhi continues to choke under a “very poor” air quality index for the third straight day, experts said that the city has so far been spared the usual haze of farm smoke that typically engulfs it at this time of year.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

The contribution of stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana has remained negligible this season - below 1% on most days, and peaking at just 2.6% so far, according to data from the Centre's Decision Support System (DSS).

The peak share so far, at 2.6%, was recorded on October 17, DSS data shows, meaning Delhi's spike in pollution right now is largely due to both local and cross-boundary emissions particularly industries and vehicles.

Typically, the impact of farm fires begins to rise sharply in the last week of October and peaks in early November. This year, however, forecasts suggest that the seasonal surge will be delayed until at least October 28, as winds continue to blow largely from the east rather than the northwest, which normally carries smoke from Punjab and Haryana into Delhi.