Smog clouds tracking of farm-fire incidents

Patiala, November 14

Air quality continues to remain poor in various districts of Punjab with Amritsar witnessing air quality index (AQI) at 332 on Thursday.

The cloud cover and smog has prevented the remote sensing centre to get accurate number of stubble burning incidents.

The officials confirmed that stubble burning had been continuing in the state despite the SC directions and Rs 100-per quintal relief to small and marginal farmers for not burning paddy residue.

The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre in Ludhiana recorded 48,689 active farm fires this year to date, which has already surpassed 44,845 recorded on the same day last year. As many as 6,013 incidents have been recorded within aweek after the SC directionson November 6. Of these, over 1,300 fires have been recorded in Bathinda district.

Factors which remain unfavourable towards dispersion of pollutants included low surface wind speed, dust and less humidity. “Long time exposure to such air can damage lungs and even cause other health ailments, especially among kids and senior citizens,” said an expert.

Despite high pollution, the state government has yet not taken a decision to shut schools and colleges. — TNS