Punjab: Stubble Burning at 79 Sites, Air Turns Toxic in Key Cities; AQI Crosses 300

Stubble burning at 79 places in Punjab: Once again an increase in the cases of stubble burning has been recorded in Punjab. On Wednesday, 79 new incidents were reported in the state, while on Tuesday, stubble was burnt at 62 places. Thus, a total of 484 cases have been confirmed since September 15.

However, it is a matter of relief that this figure is about 70 percent less than last year. Till October 22 last year, stubble was burnt in 1581 cases. It is believed that this time the incidents of stubble burning have reduced due to the strictness and penalty action taken by the state government.

Poor Air Quality in Major Cities

Even after Diwali, the air quality in major cities of Punjab remains worrisome. Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana are in the “Very Poor” category. Amritsar's AQI was recorded at 306, Jalandhar's at 328, and Ludhiana's at 304. Patiala (283) and Mandi Gobindgarh (292) remained in the "poor" category. According to CPCB, an AQI between 200 and 200–300 is considered “poor,” and between 300 and 400 is considered “very poor.”

Over ₹7.4 Lakh Fine Collected From Violators

The state government has so far imposed a total fine of ₹11.45 lakh on stubble burners, of which ₹7.40 lakh has been recovered. So far, 184 FIRs have been registered, and red entries have been made in the land documents of 187 farmers.

In the current season, the highest number of cases have come from Tarn Taran (154), while 126 incidents have been reported in Amritsar, 55 in Firozpur, and 31 in Patiala.