AQI levels improve as farm fires decline in Punjab

Despite November being the driest month so far with no rainfall recorded, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region has shown slight improvement following a dip in farm-fire incidents across the state. On Sunday, six stubble-burning cases were reported from Fazilka district while Bathinda and Muktsar recorded five each. Mansa and Ludhiana reported four cases each. In comparison, Ludhiana had logged 63 farm fires on the same day in 2023 and seven in 2024.

With the reduction in the incidents, the AQI levels have shown some respite. In Ludhiana, the AQI dropped to 159 on November 16, down from 185 on November 14.

Amritpal Singh, Nodal Officer for farm fires, said the region usually witnesses peak stubble-burning cases till November 15, after which numbers start declining.

According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data, Mandi Gobindgarh continues to record the poorest air quality in the region. Its average AQI between November 10 and 16 stood at 215. Ludhiana recorded an average of 163 during the same period while Khanna reported a higher average of 198. Among Amritsar, Ludhiana, Mandi Gobindgarh, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Khanna, Amritsar reported the lowest average AQI at 135.

The average readings for the past week were: Jalandhar 168, Khanna 198, Patiala 145, Mandi Gobindgarh 215 and Ludhiana 163.

Kamal, a homemaker, said her father-in-law had been experiencing breathlessness for the past 10–15 days and required a nebuliser to breathe comfortably.

She said every year the problem worsens as stubble burning, when mixed with fog, leads to dense smog, posing health risks not only to the elderly but also to the people of all age groups.