📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Fredericknoronha
Politics
Delhi's AQI spikes, politicians point to Punjab's stubble burning
✍️ India Today
🗓 09 Nov 2026, 02:33 PM
👁 14
Air quality in Delhi NCR has deteriorated sharply, prompting political leaders to blame recent stubble burning in Punjab for the rise in AQI levels.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region has surged to unhealthy levels, according to real‑time monitoring data released on Tuesday. The sharp rise has triggered concerns among health officials and commuters, who are now facing higher exposure to particulate matter.
In response, several senior politicians from the capital have publicly attributed the deteriorating air quality to the practice of stubble burning in the neighboring state of Punjab. They argue that the smoke from fields cleared after the harvest season is being carried by prevailing winds into Delhi, exacerbating the pollution crisis.
Punjab officials, however, have not yet issued a detailed statement on the allegations. The debate underscores the long‑standing tension between agricultural practices in the north and the capital's fight to maintain cleaner air.
Environmental experts note that while stubble burning contributes to short‑term spikes, a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial output, and seasonal weather patterns also play a significant role in Delhi's air quality challenges.
Authorities are expected to review emergency measures, including temporary restrictions on construction activities and increased monitoring of fire incidents in agricultural zones, to curb further deterioration of the AQI.
In response, several senior politicians from the capital have publicly attributed the deteriorating air quality to the practice of stubble burning in the neighboring state of Punjab. They argue that the smoke from fields cleared after the harvest season is being carried by prevailing winds into Delhi, exacerbating the pollution crisis.
Punjab officials, however, have not yet issued a detailed statement on the allegations. The debate underscores the long‑standing tension between agricultural practices in the north and the capital's fight to maintain cleaner air.
Environmental experts note that while stubble burning contributes to short‑term spikes, a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial output, and seasonal weather patterns also play a significant role in Delhi's air quality challenges.
Authorities are expected to review emergency measures, including temporary restrictions on construction activities and increased monitoring of fire incidents in agricultural zones, to curb further deterioration of the AQI.