Deadly Déjà vu

Stubble burning in neighbouring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, significantly worsens air pollution in Delhi each winter. After the harvest, farmers burn leftover crop residue to quickly clear fields for the next planting season. This releases smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter into the air. As wind currents carry these pollutants towards Delhi, they mix with the city's emissions from vehicles, industrie and construction, creating a toxic smog cocktail. This annual pollution spike leads to severe health risks, reducing visibility and triggering respiratory issues for millions of residents.