India, Oct. 23 -- Even as Delhi continues to choke under a "very poor" air quality index for the third straight day, experts said that the city has so far been spared the usual haze of farm smoke that typically engulfs it at this time of year. The contribution of stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana has remained negligible this season - below 1% on most days, and peaking at just 2.6% so far, according to data from the Centre's Decision Support System (DSS).

The peak share so far, at 2.6%, was recorded on October 17, according to DSS data, meaning Delhi's spike in pollution right now is largely down to both local and cross-boundary emissions - particularly industries and vehicles.

Typically, the impact of farm fires begins ...