According to data released by Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the concentration of particulate matter (PM 2.5) was 18 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m³) on an average on August 29 and 30, when diesel autos were on strike. But between August 31 and September 5, when the diesel autos were back, the average concentration of PM2.5rose to 75 g/m³.

"The concentration of PM2.5 rises with an increase in fine particles in the air. Many a time, we've said diesel autos are a major reason for increase in air pollution in Gurgaon. Unlike other parts of NCR, the city doesn't have any highly polluting industrial units. If diesel autos are taken off the road, a dip of over 50% is reported in the level of air pollution," said a HSPCB official, requesting anonymity.

Experts blamed violation of pollution norms by auto drivers, along with the fuel used in shared autos, for the problem. "It has been noticed that diesel auto drivers often use cheap alternative fuels instead of diesel. Most autos are not serviced regularly. They stop vehicles anywhere and wait for passengers. Idling diesel vehicles cause more pollution. All this contributes to rising air pollution in the city," said Professor Sadhana Agarwal, a retired Delhi University professor who lives in Sector 56.

Diesel auto drivers, though, blamed authorities and police for making it difficult for them to follow pollution norms. "E-rickshaws launched by MCG have already eaten 20% of our business. We have to bribe cops every month and hardly save anything. After all that, it's not viable for us to get the vehicles checked for pollution every now and then," said Sujan Kumar, a shared auto driver.

Since the shared auto strike ended, the city reported maximum pollution (79.46g/m³) on Saturday, September 3. There are over 15,000 diesel autos in Gurgaon, which went off the roads between August 29 and August 30 due to a strike.