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Pollutant levels are found to be elevated by 2-2.5 times of the standard value during the crop residue burning period in Haryana and Punjab, reveals a study conducted by the PGIMER. To study the impact on ambient air quality, the real-time monitoring of air pollutants during the period and its relationship with meteorology and trans-boundary movement of air was conducted in Fatehgarh Sahib, Bathinda and Amritsar in Punjab; Sirsa, Rohtak and Sonepat in Haryana; and Chandigarh. The results show that the stubble burning in north India significantly contributes to atmospheric aerosols and hence these sources should be given priority to reduce particulate pollution. The level of gaseous pollutants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene was found to be elevated, which speeds up the formation of secondary air pollutants.