Smog-covered festivities for Delhi-NCR as stubble burning, Diwali coincide

Ongoing construction across NCR to exacerbate situation; While the number of residue-burning cases reported so far is about half of last year's figure, it is likely to shoot up in the days ahead

The winter smog season cannot be more ill-timed for the national capital region (NCR) with firecrackers and stubble burning picking pace together by the end of this month. This, coupled with ongoing construction across the NCR, is likely to give breathless days to the residents in the coming months.

While the number of residue-burning cases reported so far is about half of last year's figure, it is likely to shoot up in the coming days. Ground reports show that the fall in the number of residue burning is not due to farmers behavioural change but delayed withdrawal of southwest monsoon.