Supreme Court Mandates Halt on Crop Burning as Pollution Worsens in Delhi Despite Light Rainfall
India's Supreme Court intervenes in escalating pollution crisis with mandate on crop burning suspension, as 'artificial rain' plans and overnight showers fail to significantly improve Delhi's 'severe' air quality.
- On November 10, India's Supreme Court mandated cessation of crop residue burning in Punjab and neighboring states around Delhi to address escalating pollution levels.
- Despite recent rainfall and ongoing efforts to implement 'artificial rain' through cloud seeding, Delhi's air quality has again slipped into the 'severe' category, with the AQI standing at 407 on November 10.
- Light to moderate rainfall improved Delhi's air quality significantly on the morning of November 10, with the AQI dropping to 'very poor' category from 'severe'.
- The Commission on Air Quality Management identified stubble burning as a principal factor in worsening air quality, comprising 38% of the total pollution contribution.
- Plans for 'artificial rain' around November 20 have been confirmed as the latest measure to combat the city's pollution levels. The Delhi government has agreed to bear the full cost of this initiative.
Reuters 
