Delhi air quality worse before Diwali than in 2025, CSE report finds
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Air quality management and pollutant dispersion: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
A Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report revealed that Delhi's pre-Diwali air quality in 2026 was significantly worse than in 2025, despite relatively better visibility due to specific wind patterns.
Background
The average PM2.5 concentration during the week before Diwali in 2026 was 236 ug/m3, nearly double the 120 ug/m3 recorded in 2025. On November 8, 2026, Delhi recorded an AQI of 376, while local sources contributed 33.06% to the PM2.5 levels.
Facts for Prelims
- FactDelhi's pre-Diwali average PM2.5 concentration in 2026 was 236 ug/m3.
- FactStubble burning contributed 14.29% to Delhi's PM2.5 levels according to CSE analysis.
- FactVehicles were the largest local source of pollution, accounting for 52% of local contributions.
- FactPollution transported from neighbouring NCR districts accounted for 54.43% of Delhi's PM2.5.
- BodyIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded easterly winds reaching 15 kmph on November 8, 2026.
Prelims practice question
According to the CSE report, what percentage of Delhi's PM2.5 levels was attributed to stubble burning?
- (a)52%
- (b)54.43%
- (c)33.06%
- (d)14.29%
Show answer
Answer: (d) 14.29% — The CSE analysis states that stubble burning contributed 14.29% to Delhi's PM2.5 levels.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the multi-sectoral sources of air pollution in the National Capital Region and evaluate the role of meteorological factors in pollutant dispersion.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Source attribution: High dependency on NCR transport (54.43%) vs local vehicular emissions (52% of local share)
- Meteorological variability: Impact of easterly wind shifts on AQI fluctuations and visibility
- Policy challenge: Addressing the seasonal peak of stubble burning (16.2% peak) alongside local industrial/vehicular sources
Keywords: Air Quality Index (AQI) · PM2.5 concentration · Stubble burning · Pollutant dispersion · Meteorological factors · NCR pollution
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Madras High Court reserves order on NGT ban on constructions near Pallikaranai marshland · 12 November 2026
- Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra says rain is unlikely to wash away severe pollution · 12 November 2026
- Delhi-NCR PM2.5 levels hit 236 micrograms, 97 per cent higher than 2025 levels · 11 November 2026
- Andhra Pradesh doubles award share to 25% after clearing 153 lakh tonnes of waste · 11 November 2026
- Firecrackers accounted for 71.1% of Delhi air pollution load on Monday · 11 November 2026
- Tamil Nadu to meet Sivakasi firecracker manufacturers to promote green crackers and reduce emissions · 11 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.