Despite these reductions, stubble burning remains a major environmental issue, as farmers often resort to it due to limited time and inadequate machinery to manage crop residue. As the window for sowing Rabi crops like wheat is narrow, burning paddy stubble becomes a quicker option for many small-scale farmers.

Air pollution in India's capital Delhi has soared to extremely severe levels, choking residents and engulfing the city in thick smog. Monitors recorded pollution levels of 1,500 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 15:00 IST (09:30 BST),

Delhi recorded air pollution more than 17 times above an acceptable level as worsening smog triggered curbs on trucking and shuttered construction sites and schools.

Delhi's AQI hits 494, making it the most polluted city globally, with severe health and economic implications.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution . Dr. Lalit Mohan Parashar, Senior Consultant – ENT at MASSH Super Speciality Hospitals, highlights the diverse health risks posed by polluted ai

This dramatic deterioration in air quality has prompted urgent action from authorities, with Delhi experiencing a host of severe environmental concerns.