Despite these reductions, stubble burning remains a major environmental issue, as farmers often resort to it due to limited time and inadequate machinery to manage crop residue. As the window for sowing Rabi crops like wheat is narrow, burning paddy stubble becomes a quicker option for many small-scale farmers.

Punjab recorded the highest number of stubble-burning cases on Monday. This comes as Delhi has been witnessing alarming air pollution levels for the past two days. On Sunday, the AQI level breached 450 in the national capital.

The BJP-led central government is only indulging in politics, and has taken no step to check stubble burning,” said Atishi.

Despite reports of a decline in stubble burning, experts believe farmers may be outsmarting satellites by timing their fires to avoid detection, raising concerns over the accuracy of pollution data.

Speaking to India Today TV, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi raised concern over the severe air pollution engulfing a large portion of northern India, calling the situation a "medical emergency" caused by rampant stubble burning in several "BJP-ruled" states.

Delhi CM Atishi said on Monday that the BJP-led central government was “only indulging in politics” and has taken no step to check stubble burning.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi declared a medical emergency in north India due to severe air pollution from stubble burning. She criticized the BJP-led central government for inaction and praised AAP-ruled Punjab for reducing instances of stubble burning.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi blamed farm fires in neighboring states - excluding Punjab, where her party also governs - for the capital's air crisis