New Delhi: Stubble burning alone cannot be blamed for Delhi’s toxic air. According to the latest analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), vehicles account for 52 percent of the capital’s local pollution sources. Stubble smoke was also a part of pollution in the early days of November, but Delhi’s air remained poor despite a decline in its contribution. The report has also raised questions over the effectiveness of emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented for pollution control.
According to CSE, Delhi’s average PM2.5 level in the week before Diwali was recorded at 236 micrograms per cubic metre. This was 97 percent higher than 120 micrograms in the same period of 2025 and 32 percent higher than 179 micrograms in 2024.
Based on data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the report said that from November 1 to 8, pollution coming from neighbouring NCR districts contributed 54.43 percent to Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution, local sources 33.06 percent and stubble 14.29 percent. Among local sources, after vehicles, residential activities accounted for 13 percent and peripheral industries for 11 percent.
According to CSE, vehicle restrictions imposed under GRAP did not bring a significant reduction in road congestion. During peak hours from November 2 to 6, travel took 13 to 31 percent more time than on normal days. The level of nitrogen dioxide emitted by vehicles also remained high from evening until midnight.
The analysis concludes that emergency restrictions alone cannot provide a permanent solution to the pollution problem. There is a need to strengthen public transport, reduce the number and use of private vehicles, and implement emission-control measures across the NCR throughout the year.
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