Delhi Air Quality Soars: Zero Farm Fires Last Winter

Delhi achieved a milestone last winter by recording zero farm fires, contributing to a steady improvement in its air quality. The Economic Survey 2025-26, presented in the Delhi assembly, highlighted a rise in 'good' to 'moderate' air quality days from 159 in 2018 to 200 in 2025. While satellite data initially flagged potential farm fire incidents, field verifications confirmed none involved stubble burning.

Average PM2.5 and PM10 levels in 2025 showed a decrease compared to the previous year, marking the lowest averages recorded. The government's Air Pollution Control Plan, 2025, has been instrumental, deploying 'vayu rakshaks' for real-time monitoring and implementing measures like anti-smog guns, mechanical road sweepers, and stricter enforcement technologies.

Greening efforts have also seen success, with over 5.37 million saplings planted as of January 2026 under the Green Action Plan 2025-26. The survey cited the India State of Forest Report 2023, indicating Delhi's forest and tree cover has reached 25.04%, nearly matching the national average and showing an increase since 2021.