NASA Research Reveals Shift in Stubble Burning Timing Worsens North India's Air Pollution Crisis

Dec 16, 2025 05:44 pm CST

NASA scientists have identified a significant shift in stubble burning patterns across northern India, with farmers now setting fires later in the evening rather than afternoon. This timing change complicates pollution monitoring efforts and may worsen air quality as evening conditions allow pollutants to accumulate more efficiently overnight. Satellite data shows this pattern shifting from 1-2 PM to 4-6 PM burning times, contributing to hazardous air quality levels across the Indo-Gangetic Plain during post-harvest seasons.