Visualizing the Extent of Rural Agricultural Fires Contributing to Delhi's Pollution Crisis

The Indian capital of New Delhi is currently experiencing a severe outbreak of air pollution and toxic foam. Approximately 25% of the city's smog in the winter months has been attributed to the practice of stubble burning by farmers in nearby provinces, which is done to clear remaining crop residue after harvest. The red dots on the satellite image represent active fires in the vicinity of New Delhi. The ubiquity of the dots indicates the widespread nature of stubble burning, despite the existence of a ban on the practice. Over 6,500 fires were recorded on a recent day in the neighboring state of Punjab. The image is a reminder of how seemingly localized adverse environmental practices can impact places hundreds of miles away.