Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with dangerous air pollution levels as the season’s stubble burning and industrial emissions push air quality into the “severe” category. Between September 15 and November 10, more than 4,000 incidents of stubble burning were reported across Punjab and Haryana, worsening the toxic haze enveloping the capital.
In response, authorities have intensified control measures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have submitted detailed affidavits to the Supreme Court outlining the steps taken under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Over 1,500 polluting industrial units have been shut down, and flying squads have been deployed to ensure enforcement and monitor compliance in affected states.
The Supreme Court, which has taken serious note of the ongoing pollution crisis, is expected to hold further hearings on November 17. The court has also been briefed on the preventive measures being implemented to curb stubble burning and industrial emissions.
Meanwhile, the CAQM continues to coordinate with state governments to track active fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana, aiming for early intervention. The CPCB has also made air quality data more accessible to the public through its SAMEER app, enabling residents to stay informed about local pollution levels in real time.
With pollution levels touching alarming highs, health experts are urging residents to adopt safety measures such as wearing N95 masks outdoors, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, using indoor air purifiers, and maintaining proper ventilation indoors. Authorities also advise minimizing the use of private vehicles, preferring public transport, and avoiding open burning of waste to help reduce local emissions.
While the implementation of GRAP and strict court monitoring provide some relief, experts warn that lasting improvement will require sustained collaboration between states, better waste management systems, and long-term strategies to discourage stubble burning. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Delhi-NCR can breathe cleaner air this winter.