Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor criticized the Central, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab governments on Saturday regarding the worsening air pollution crisis. He stated that these authorities must cooperate and demonstrate political will to adopt concrete measures.
Tharoor questioned why the Central government, as well as the governments of Delhi and Haryana, have not taken decisive steps to solve this problem, asserting that the situation allows it to deteriorate uncontrollably.
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern regarding the air quality in Delhi. During the hearings, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) inquired about the steps being taken to combat pollution, despite everyone enjoying the weather in Delhi.
Amicus Curiae Apradjit stated that the residents of Delhi are breathing air equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes daily, and that this is even affecting their voice. It was noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the critical category.
The CJI mentioned that the pollution level recently decreased due to rain. However, Amicus Curiae argued that the focus should not solely be on stubble burning; Delhi is already heavily polluted, and stubble burning only exacerbates the situation. He emphasized that the primary cause of pollution in the NCR is transportation, although stubble burning also plays a significant role.
During the hearings, Amicus Curiae pointed out the large number of vehicles in Delhi. In response, the CJI indicated that the problem lies not only in the quantity of vehicles but also in the fact that vehicles from all over the country arrive in Delhi, which complicates monitoring the condition and exhaust fumes of these vehicles. Even if a vehicle is in Delhi for only two hours, it pollutes the air.
A representative from the ASG reported that the government has taken measures: geo-tagging is being implemented for the issuance of PUC certificates at pollution testing centers, and steps are being taken to stop vehicles emitting visible smoke.
Amicus Curiae explained that the central and regional governments have provided farmers with agricultural machinery and equipment, but farmers cannot afford to pay for fuel for these machines, which is particularly difficult for small farmers. Furthermore, due to the Water Conservation Act, farmers had to postpone sowing. The CJI noted that instances of stubble burning are decreasing, and farmers are preparing to sow wheat instead of rice.
During the hearings, the tradition of gift-giving during Diwali was also discussed. One lawyer suggested that perhaps the practice of giving gifts during Diwali should cease. The CJI linked this to cultural changes, stating that people need to understand what their true culture is and what they should do. Justice Joymalya Bagchi added that the commercialization of festivals and using them as commodities is also a problem.
The air in the capital city of Delhi has become extremely polluted this season. On Monday morning, a thick haze hung over the city, and pollution levels sharply increased. Although previous rains provided some relief, the air once again turned toxic.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), at 7:05 AM on Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 349, which falls into the 'very poor' category. The average daily AQI on Sunday was 261 (poor), while the day before that it was 117 (moderate). On Friday after the rain, the AQI dropped to 60, marking the cleanest day in October in four years, but the situation worsened again.
Ninety-eight percent of the available data was collected from 58 out of 59 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi. At 36 of these stations, the air was in the 'very poor' category. The Jahangirpuri station was the only one where the AQI reached 417 and entered the 'hazardous' category. Five stations showed a 'moderate' level, and the rest were classified as 'poor.'
In the morning, PM2.5 was the main pollutant at most stations. PM2.5 was the primary source of pollution at 51 of the 58 stations, and PM10 at the remaining seven. CPCB defines air quality as follows: 0-50 — good, 51-100 — satisfactory, 101-200 — moderate, 201-300 — poor, 301-400 — very poor, and 401-500 — hazardous.
According to NASA satellite observations, 1394 instances of field burning were detected in Punjab and Haryana between November 1 and November 1: 1249 in Punjab and 145 in Haryana. Only 171 fires were registered on November 1. Last year, 1861 fires were detected during a similar period. However, this data does not reflect the full picture, as most straw is now burned in the evening. In 2025, about 98 percent of fires occurred after 3:00 PM, compared to 94 percent in 2024. Since the satellite passes around 1:30 PM, evening fires often go unnoticed. These burnings are one of the main external factors affecting the air in Delhi.
The rise in AQI is due to a combination of several scientific reasons. Firstly, there are local pollution sources: vehicle exhaust, factories, construction work, and road dust release pollutants daily. Rain washed away these substances, but as soon as the rain stopped, these sources became active again. Secondly, a significant factor is the smog from straw burning in Punjab and Haryana, which is carried by the wind into Delhi-NCR. Thirdly, and this is a very important factor, are adverse weather conditions. Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya noted that the wind is blowing from the northwest and has a very low speed, meaning it is calm. With calm winds, pollutants do not disperse and remain in the air for a long time. During winter, temperature inversion is often observed, where the air near the ground remains cold, and a warm layer forms above it. This layer prevents pollutants from rising, causing them to accumulate near the ground surface. PM2.5 particles are very small and can penetrate the lungs, coming from transport, burning, and industry. When the wind is still, these particles easily accumulate, and the AQI rises quickly. With the approach of Diwali, the use of fireworks and burning may intensify pollution.
Meteorologist Navdeep Dahiya warned that the smog season has begun. Most sensors in Delhi-NCR show an AQI above 300, and at night in many places, it approaches 400-500. With calm winds from the northwest, all emissions will remain in the atmosphere for a long time. Favorable weather conditions are not expected for the next seven to ten days, which means a possible further intensification of smog. This year, Delhi last recorded 'very poor' air quality on February 11, when the average AQI was 305; before that, on February 4, it reached 339. The worsening situation in early November is causing concern.
The government is implementing measures to combat smog and is carrying out pollution control measures. Fines amounting to millions of rupees have been imposed in a single day, and many vehicles have been impounded. However, long-term relief is only possible with a reduction in field fires, decreased transport emissions, and favorable weather conditions. Citizens are advised to spend less time outdoors in the morning and evening, use masks, and pay special attention to children and the elderly. Home air purifiers can help. The air in Delhi reached the 'very poor' category for the first time this season. After the relief from the rains, pollution took over again. Straw burning, local emissions, and adverse weather jointly increase the AQI. From a scientific point of view, calm wind and temperature keep pollutants near the ground. The situation may worsen in the coming days. Only caution and collective efforts can bring relief.
