Dust storms now a daily feature in Bathinda region

After unseasonal rain and strong winds that caused heavy damage to the standing wheat crop, dust storms have become a daily feature in the area.

After unseasonal rain and strong winds that caused heavy damage to the standing wheat crop, dust storms have become a daily feature in the area.

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People of the city and surrounding areas are usually seen covering their faces with clothes or masks and wearing goggles for protecting themselves from dust and heat. As the harvesting season is going on, the dust from the open fields and smoke and ash rising from the wheat straw being burnt in fields are making the climate very dusty and hot. The dusty climate causes breathing problems, especially to elderly people and children.

Raj Kumar Paul of the metrology department of Punjab Agricultural University's regional research centre, here," According to the weather forecast report of the area, winds from the east will blow for some more. The weather should remain light cloudy and dusty with very few possibilities of rain." The moisture content will effect on the harvested wheat crop lying open in grain markets.

The dust and ash content in the climate is harmful for eyes and the respiratory system. Amrit Sethi, an eye specialist, said that problems of eye irritation and redness in eyes have increased in the recent days due to the dusty weather. KK Nohria, a general and family physician, said cases with respiratory problems, bronchitis and asthma have increased among aged people and children.