Due to rampant stubble burning in Punjab these days, the air quality index (AQI) in the state has gone worse than that recorded on the day of Diwali.
On Monday, the state recorded an average AQI of 328, with Ludhiana topping the index at 377 and the holy city of Amritsar also registering a high figure of 333.
The AQI is set to further deteriorate in the coming days as the authorities have failed to keep a proper check on stubble burning in the state even as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is keeping an eagle’s eye on the situation.
Sources in the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) said the AQI is expected to reach 500 in the coming week as it did last year.
The PPCB officials said the AQI above 100 is considered a dangerous level. If the AQI crosses 300-mark, it reaches the high-risk level.
Meanwhile, smog continues to cause trouble for people, especially those suffering from respiratory diseases. Also, it has reduced the visibility level, particularly on state and national highways.
3,000 INCIDENTS BEING RECORDED EACH DAY: PPCB
“The stubble burning incidents have touched an alarming level. For the past two days, we have been recording more than 3,000 instances of stubble burning each day. This has increased the smog in the air,” said Dr Charanjit Singh, PPCB spokesperson.
{{/usCountry}}“The stubble burning incidents have touched an alarming level. For the past two days, we have been recording more than 3,000 instances of stubble burning each day. This has increased the smog in the air,” said Dr Charanjit Singh, PPCB spokesperson.
{{/usCountry}}In a statement, the PPCB said that due to less wind speed, and clouds, a thick layer of smog has enveloped the state. It said the AQI will improve only when there will be rain or high-velocity wind to clear the smog. Rain helps in settling dust particles.
“The biggest sufferers are the children and rural area public as smog directly affects them,” the PPCB statement said, adding that smog has also led to an increase in incidence of respiratory and eye-related problems.
Meanwhile, doctors have advised people, especially those suffering from respiratory problems, to take extra precautions and seek medical help, if their condition aggravates.