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Delhi Battles Toxic Smog as Stubble Burning Persists
9 Nov
Summary
- Delhi's air quality reaches 'Severe' levels, with some stations recording AQI over 400
- Stubble burning contributes up to 31% of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution
- Thermal power plant violations raise concerns, may face closure
As of November 9, 2025, Delhi's air quality has reached 'Severe' levels, with several monitoring stations recording Air Quality Index (AQI) readings above 400. The city's 24-hour average AQI stood at 361, firmly in the 'Very Poor' category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been actively addressing the issue, holding review meetings with the governments of Haryana and Punjab to assess the progress in eliminating stubble burning during the paddy harvest season. According to the CAQM, Punjab recorded 3,284 stubble burning incidents between September 15 and November 6, a marginal improvement from the 5,041 incidents during the same period last year. However, some districts like Muktsar and Fazilka have even shown an increase in the number of fire counts, which is a cause for concern.
The CAQM has also expressed serious concern over the poor operational condition and non-compliance with emission norms at the Lehra Mohabbat Thermal Power Plant in Bathinda district, Punjab. The CAQM chairperson has cautioned that if immediate measures are not taken, the Commission may be compelled to issue closure directions to the plant.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) forecast indicates that the air quality in Delhi is very likely to remain in the 'Very Poor' category from November 9 to 11, with stubble burning contributing up to 31.24% of the city's PM2.5 levels on Sunday, making it the most significant pollution source. Emissions from the transport sector in Delhi are expected to be the second-highest contributor at 14.25%.
