The findings come as the annual crop-burning season gets underway, raising concerns about air pollution in northern India and Pakistan during the colder months.
Farmers in both countries typically burn crop stubble in two seasonal waves, with peaks around April and November. The resulting smoke, dust and other emissions can have a greater impact during winter, when colder air traps pollutants closer to the ground.
According to the latest data, the most recent week of fire monitoring began on November 4, 2026. The analysis compares this year's activity with historical figures from 2012 to 2025.
The data tracks active-fire detections, the area burned, fire emissions and fire danger levels in both countries.
Satellite-based measurements also show the distribution of fire hotspots and burned areas across South Asia between January 1 and November 5, 2026.
Air quality monitoring
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) provides modelled hourly air quality estimates for selected major cities, measuring haze caused by smoke, dust and pollution.
The latest available dataset was updated on November 5 at 06:37 UTC, using model information from 06:00 UTC.
The estimates include aerosol optical depth, which measures how much airborne particles such as smoke, dust and pollution reduce the amount of sunlight passing through the atmosphere.
However, these figures are modelled estimates rather than direct readings from ground-based air quality monitoring stations. The CAMS global atmospheric composition forecasts use a resolution of approximately 0.4 degrees, equivalent to around 45 kilometres.
Delhi introduces year-round winter pollution restrictions
Meanwhile, the Indian government has introduced stricter measures to tackle winter air pollution in Delhi.
Measures announced in July 2026 include doubling car parking charges, staggering working hours at government offices and banning outdoor civil construction, except for essential public infrastructure projects.
From November 1 to January 31, government and private offices are required to have only half their staff working on-site, with the remaining employees working from home. Violations could lead to prosecution.
Previously, restrictions were imposed under a graded action plan only when air quality deteriorated beyond specified levels.
Under the new policy, the restrictions will remain in force continuously from November 1 to February 28, regardless of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
