New Delhi: Farm fires, which are a big source of Delhi’s foul air, declined significantly in four major agricultural states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh due to extended monsoon showers and strict monitoring, helping the national capital breathe easier.

This marks a notable shift at the start of this year’s stubble-burning season, significant because crop residue burning in these states is a major contributor to Delhi’s severe air pollution and a recurring political flashpoint.

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) findings using satellite remote sensing, stubble-burning cases declined nearly 65% year-on-year across these four states during the 15 September-5 October period this year.

The beginning of this year’s stubble-burning season has

See Full Page