Local pollution sources at fault as stubble fire season wraps up

According to data collated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, since November 30, the share of stubble burning in Delhi’s pollution came down to zero, a level it is likely to stay at for the next five days.

With farm fires falling to negligible levels in Haryana and Punjab, Delhi’s hazardous pollution levels were largely due to local emissions, showed data collated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s (IITM) decision support system.

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According to their recordings, since November 30, the share of stubble burning in Delhi’s pollution came down to zero, a level it is likely to stay at for the next five days, establishing the end of the stubble fire season this year.

On Thursday, vehicular emissions contributed to nearly 20% of the city’s PM 2.5 levels (ultrafine particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micrometres), while industrial emissions from Delhi and peripheral areas contributed to over 11% of the Capital’s pollution levels, the data showed.

“Farm fire season is over. Its contribution to Delhi’s air has been nearly zero for the past few days. The predominant contributors to Delhi’s pollution currently are its own local sources and some emissions from the National Capital Region,” said a senior IITM scientist, requesting anonymity.

Environmental experts also stressed on the need to control local pollution sources.

Tanushree Ganguly, programme lead, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) said, “We are observing high PM2.5 levels during the morning and evening hours, when winds are typically calmer. While the government is taking measures to reduce emissions from trucks and construction sites, authorities should explore restrictions on private vehicles. Private offices should consider working from home.”

She added, “Data from previous years suggests that the months of December and January experience poor to very poor air quality conditions. Therefore, it is critical to take all possible measures to reduce emissions and the exposure of vulnerable populations like children and elderly during these months.”