Farmers are not the only reason for air pollution. Stubble burning does contribute to Delhi’s pollution in a major way, but it is episodic and depends a lot on wind direction and other meteorological factors. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), about 65% of pollution in Delhi is due to local sources.
Dust is a major contributor to air pollution. Unpaved roads, and digging for various infrastructural construction expose the loose soil, contributing as much as 17% of the particulate matter (PM) in the air. A TERI-ARAI study published in 2018 on PM 2.5 emissions showed that transport contributed 39%, road dust 18%, construction activities 8%, followed by power plants 11% to the air pollution in Delhi. Pollution mitigation efforts should take these factors into account.
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