Punjab: Stubble Burning Pushes Air Quality Index To Hazardous Levels, Bathinda Hits 500

Pollution levels in several districts of Punjab are increasing at an alarming rate, with a rapid surge in stubble-burning incidents. The severity of the situation was highlighted when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bathinda hit a hazardous level of 500 on Dussehra, the maximum threshold for air pollution. This level is considered extremely dangerous, posing health risks even to healthy individuals after prolonged exposure.

On Sunday, Bathinda recorded an average AQI of 344, still within a highly dangerous range. Other districts in the state are also witnessing rising AQI levels, raising concerns. The state government has been actively urging farmers to avoid burning stubble in efforts to curb the pollution.

To tackle the issue, special teams have been deployed in every district to take immediate action against stubble burning. These actions include fines and legal cases against the farmers responsible. Data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board shows that AQI levels have exceeded 100 in most districts over the past few days.

ALSO READ: Baba Siddique Murder Case: Ossification Test Confirms Accused Dharmaraj Kashyap Not Minor; Sent To Custody

On October 12, Bathinda recorded a hazardous AQI of 500, while Ludhiana and Amritsar reported significant pollution levels with AQIs of 256 and 264, respectively. The average AQI in Bathinda that day stood at 236, with Amritsar and Ludhiana showing averages of 139 and 102. By October 13, Bathinda's AQI slightly improved to a maximum of 344, with an average of 210. Ludhiana saw its AQI rise to 301 from an average of 121, while Amritsar's AQI dropped to a maximum of 145, with an average of 102, indicating a minor relief from the previous day's pollution.

ALSO READ: Palestinians Burned Alive In Israeli Strikes On Gaza's Al-Aqsa Hospital, Day After IDF Killed 22 At School Sheltering Displaced Families

Air Quality Index (AQI) Parameters  

- AQI 0-50: Good, minimal impact  

- AQI 51-100: Satisfactory, minor issues for sensitive individuals  

- AQI 101-200: Moderate, may affect those with respiratory or heart conditions  

- AQI 201-300: Poor, likely to cause respiratory issues  

- AQI 301-400: Very poor, respiratory diseases possible with prolonged exposure  

- AQI 401-500: Hazardous, dangerous for healthy people and worse for those with preexisting conditions