Home / Environment / Delhi Air Quality: Farm Fires Not to Blame?
Delhi Air Quality: Farm Fires Not to Blame?
30 Oct
Summary
- Study suggests local, non-agricultural sources impact Delhi's air.
- Farm fires in Punjab/Haryana saw minimal decrease this year.
- Delhi's AQI improved, but typical days saw air quality worsen.
A study analyzing Delhi's air quality data from September 15 to October 15 between 2024 and 2026 suggests that crop burning is not the main driver of the city's air pollution this year. Research by Climate Trends points to "local, non-agricultural sources" as the likely cause.
While farm fires in Punjab and Haryana decreased by only 4% between September 15 and October 15, mirroring 2025 levels, Delhi's AQI dropped by 15.8% compared to the previous year. The statistical link between farm fires and Delhi's air quality weakened significantly, falling from 0.62 last year to 0.17 this year.
Delhi's average AQI improved from 169.3 to 142.6. However, on an average day, the AQI rose by 14.1%, from 135 to 154. Importantly, the number of days with AQI crossing 200 decreased to three this year, down from ten last year, with no days exceeding 300, a stark contrast to the peak of 353 in 2025.
The study also noted environmental factors contributing to pollution. Delhi's boundary layer, where pollution is trapped, was 4.3% lower this year. Additionally, rainfall, which helps clear pollution, decreased by 78.2% during the analyzed period compared to 2025.
