Experts explain the need to focus pollution fight on transport sector, flag various policy challenges.

At the heart of the air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR is a familiar pattern seen during winters in North India.

In A step against polluting units across NCR, directions have been issued regarding the closure of all industries in the red and yellow category, and carrying out certain non-polluting operations.

In A step against polluting units across NCR, directions have been issued regarding the closure of all industries in the red and yellow category, and carrying out certain non-polluting operations.

An AQI of 301–400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while 401–500 falls into the ‘severe’ category.

An AQI of 301–400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while 401–500 falls into the ‘severe’ category.

Delhi carried out two back-to-back cloud-seeding trials on Tuesday, hoping to trigger light showers that could scrub pollutants from the air

The cloud-seeding operation is part of a pilot project led by IIT-Kanpur to tackle air pollution. Two trials were held at 12.15 pm and 3.55 pm

Delhi carried out two back-to-back cloud-seeding trials on Tuesday, hoping to trigger light showers that could scrub pollutants from the air

The cloud-seeding operation is part of a pilot project led by IIT-Kanpur to tackle air pollution. Two trials were held at 12.15 pm and 3.55 pm

According to locals from the area, the activity has been ongoing post Diwali

According to locals from the area, the activity has been ongoing post Diwali

Source apportionment data from the Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management shows that the mix of pollution sources impacting Delhi has changed since Diwali on October 20.

Delhi’s air quality stayed in the “very poor” range two days after Diwali, with an AQI of 353. Data from the Decision Support System showed that over 36% of the pollution came from “unaccounted sources”, meaning emissions not clearly identified or tracked. Transport, industry, and waste burning also added to the problem. Sunil Dahiya from Envirocatalysts explained that these unaccounted sources likely include power plants, industries, and crop burning in nearby states, which are not properly captured in pollution records.

Studies have previously shown that the city’s particulate matter levels spike sharply in the days leading up to and during Diwali

The pollution build-up in Noida has been peaking between 7 pm and midnight — a pattern distinct from Delhi where spikes tend to occur later at night.

The Supreme Court’s order to allow green crackers on a “test basis” just days before Diwali has reopened debate over balancing tradition and health.

Experts say there is no clear way to check whether a cracker is truly green, and past attempts at enforcement have been weak.

A new traffic plan has contributed to improved air quality in Chandni Chowk, a popular tourist destination in Delhi.

The highest 24-hour average PM 2.5 levels were observed at 10 pm Monday at 425.7 µg/m3 — seven times the national prescribed standards (60 µg/m3).

Experts also suggest that Delhi residents hold policymakers accountable as they now do not fear losing votes over air pollution issues.