punjab-air-quality-improves-162-stubble-burning-reported

On Saturday, Punjab reported 162 stubble burning cases, bringing the total for the season to 10,605. The highest number of cases were recorded in Ludhiana (28), followed by Mansa (19), Fazilka (16), and Barnala (15). Other areas like Bathinda, Ferozepur, and Moga reported 14 cases each, while Sangrur had 11.

In terms of air quality, the Punjab Air Quality Index (AQI) showed some improvement. However, the AQI in several parts of Delhi remained in the "severe" category. 

According to the CPCB's data, as of 8 am, Chandani Chowk had an AQI of 338, IGI Airport (T3) was at 370, and places like ITO and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium had AQI values of 355 and 354, respectively.

 

Areas such as RK Puram and Okhla Phase 2 had AQI levels above 370, all categorised as 'very poor.'

In contrast, some areas in Delhi recorded even worse levels of pollution, with Anand Vihar at 405, Ashok Vihar at 414, and Bawana at 418, among others.

Earlier this week, Punjab recorded its highest single-day stubble burning count for the season on Monday, with 1,251 incidents. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the total number of farm fires this year has reached 9,655, which is higher than the number of incidents reported in the past two years.

This increase in stubble burning continues to be a major factor in worsening air quality, especially in northern India. In response to this situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduced Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR starting November 18. 

This plan includes measures like banning truck entry and suspending public construction projects to reduce pollution.

As for Punjab's air quality, it showed slight improvement. However, four cities still remained in the "poor" category with AQI values between 201-300. Bathinda had the cleanest air in the state, with an AQI of 91, which is considered "satisfactory." 

Other cities like Rupnagar, Mandi Gobindgarh, and Amritsar had moderate air quality, with AQI values of 151, 174, and 181, respectively. On the other hand, cities like Ludhiana (256), Patiala (225), Jalandhar (222), and Khanna (208) had poor air quality.