Chandigarh’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday, with experts urging the public to limit outdoor activities and take action to reduce biomass burning.
The air quality index (AQI) in the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana reached 372 at 4 pm, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer App.
The city’s AQI figures varied across sectors, with 400 recorded in Sector 22, 322 in Sector 25, and 395 in Sector 53. At 9 am, the AQI was 355.
Chandigarh has experienced ‘very poor’ air quality for the past several days, placing it among the worst cities in the country for air pollution. Surender Paul, Director of the Chandigarh Meteorological Department, attributed the poor air quality to a combination of factors.
“The air circulation leads to the dispersal of pollutants, but an increase in humidity, a drop in minimum temperatures, and calm winds have reduced the dispersion of pollutants, resulting in smog,” he explained.
Paul added that there is no expectation of rainfall over the next five days, which is likely to prolong the smog.
In response to the rising pollution levels, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) task force in Chandigarh has implemented measures such as sprinkling water on roads, using anti-smog guns, and monitoring traffic movement.
The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee convened a GRAP meeting two days ago, identifying stubble burning as a significant contributor to the pollution.
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has been instructed to ensure that roads are swept with water sprinkling and to avoid manual sweeping without it.
The traffic police have also been directed to fine vehicles violating emission norms, and the use of diesel generators has been banned, except for emergencies or essential services.
Suman Mor, a professor at Panjab University's Department of Environment Studies, pointed to stubble burning in Punjab as a major factor behind the deteriorating air quality in Chandigarh.
Vats Ambardar, a Research Scholar from the School of Communication Studies at Panjab University, highlighted the need for greater reliance on public transport over individual vehicles across the Union Territory to tackle air quality issues.
“Educating farmers about the impact of stubble burning, along with implementing water sprinklers in the region, could help mitigate this harmful situation,” Ambardar suggested.
"A spike in farm fires in Punjab on November 8 and 9 led to the current situation in Chandigarh," she said. “Some people are burning leaves in the city and we need to check it,” Mor added. She emphasised that the pollution generated would ultimately affect everyone. "Whatever we are contributing to the air, we are going to inhale it ultimately. So we need to understand our responsibility,” she said.
Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, a professor of environmental health at the PGIMER’s Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, recommended wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities.
He specifically advised children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions to take extra precautions.
Follow us
