India, Dec. 30 -- The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's PM2.5 pollution fell significantly during this year's burning season, dropping to 3.5% from 10.6% last year, according to data shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application.

The figures, provided in response to an RTI application by Noida-based activist Amit Gupta, indicate a significant reduction compared to recent years, when the average contribution was 11% in 2023, 9% in 2022, and 13% in both 2021 and 2020.

CPCB cited estimates from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's Decision Support System (DSS), a model that uses satellite data on active fires, converts it into emissions, and simulates impact ...