Despite a 90% reduction in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' to 'severe' range throughout November 2025. Local pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, are identified as the primary drivers of the capital's persistent smog. The crisis raises concerns about children's health amid winter conditions.
On World Children’s Day, November 20, 2025, Delhi-NCR's Air Quality Index (AQI) registered shocking levels of particulate matter, prompting questions about violating children's right to health. The Commission for Air Quality Management issued advisories and implemented the Graded Response Action Plan amid the annual blame game, but warnings on respiratory risks to children and the elderly appeared as mere lip service.
A World Health Organisation report notes that billions of children in low- and middle-income countries suffer from PM2.5 and PM10 exposure, with nitrogen oxides and other pollutants worsening air quality. Vehicular pollution, alongside stubble and waste burning or construction dust, contributes significantly. Globally, ambient and household air pollution causes one in 10 child deaths, and long-term exposure impairs cognitive abilities. Pulmonologists now prescribe leaving the city, using air purifiers, or staying home; schools have shifted to hybrid modes.
The paddy harvesting season ended on November 30, 2025, with Punjab and Haryana recording a 90% drop in stubble burning compared to 2021—the lowest in five years, partly due to monsoon floods in Punjab. Yet, Delhi's AQI stayed 'very poor' to 'severe' for nearly all of November, with farm fires contributing less than 5% daily, peaking at 22% on November 12-13. PM2.5 dominated as the key pollutant for 34 days in October-November, reinforced by traffic emissions of NO2 and CO under low-dispersion winter conditions.
The Supreme Court on December 2, 2025, stated farmers cannot be scapegoated, noting clearer skies during the pandemic despite higher stubble burning but reduced vehicle use. A Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report from December 1, 2025, by Sharanjeet Kaur and Anumita Roychowdhury, confirms local sources drive the crisis. Hotspots like Jahangirpuri (119 µg/m³ annual PM2.5 average) and emerging areas like Vivek Vihar (101 µg/m³) exceed standards. NCR towns, including Bahadurgarh, face equal or worse pollution, indicating a regional airshed issue. Delhi has lost prior air quality gains, with levels rising since 2021-22.
Citizens' protests and judicial interventions have yielded only temporary measures, while adult notions of prosperity through consumption endanger childhoods. As a cold wave alert for December 5 predicts temperatures dropping to 4-6°C, the India Meteorological Department highlights ongoing pollution persistence, with slight AQI improvement noted on December 4.
