Overview
- Ministry of Earth Science data cited in new analyses say crop-residue fires account for roughly a quarter of PM2.5 during peak episodes, indicating a partial rather than dominant role.
- Vehicles, industry, waste burning and construction dust are identified as continuous sources that set the baseline pollution level, with congestion and poor enforcement compounding the load.
- Stopgap steps such as GRAP curbs, odd–even road schemes, construction halts and school closures are described as short-lived relief that treats symptoms without cutting emissions.
- Proposed fixes emphasize regional airshed governance across NCR states, incentives for cleaner industrial processes, sustained dust control and robust waste-management systems.
- Urban and mobility reforms highlighted include safer last‑mile access to public transport, mixed‑use and transit‑oriented development, vehicle scrappage and stricter parking enforcement, alongside calls to align AQI communication and national targets with health science.