📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Repro John Erling Blad
Weather
Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets as Farm Fires Rage in Punjab, Haryana
✍️ News18
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 10:01 AM
👁 20
Delhi recorded a sharp rise in PM2.5 levels on Thursday, with officials linking the deterioration to widespread crop‑burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana.
The National Air Quality Index showed Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration jump to hazardous levels on Thursday, prompting health advisories across the capital. Meteorological data indicated stagnant wind conditions that prevented the dispersion of pollutants.
State pollution control boards traced the spike to extensive stubble burning in agricultural fields of Punjab and Haryana, where farmers resort to fire to clear post‑harvest residue. Satellite imagery confirmed large fire hotspots along the borders of the two states during the same period.
Experts warned that the combination of low wind speed, low temperature inversion and the sheer volume of smoke from the fires created a perfect storm for Delhi’s air. Authorities have urged farmers to adopt mechanised residue management and have announced temporary bans on open burning in the affected districts.
The Delhi government has activated emergency response measures, including distribution of N‑95 masks and advisories for vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activities until air quality improves.
State pollution control boards traced the spike to extensive stubble burning in agricultural fields of Punjab and Haryana, where farmers resort to fire to clear post‑harvest residue. Satellite imagery confirmed large fire hotspots along the borders of the two states during the same period.
Experts warned that the combination of low wind speed, low temperature inversion and the sheer volume of smoke from the fires created a perfect storm for Delhi’s air. Authorities have urged farmers to adopt mechanised residue management and have announced temporary bans on open burning in the affected districts.
The Delhi government has activated emergency response measures, including distribution of N‑95 masks and advisories for vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activities until air quality improves.