Farm fires, falling temperature lead to deteriorating air quality across Haryana

As temperatures dip, air quality across Haryana has worsened, with several districts recording severe air pollution levels. Data from the state's online monitoring systems paints a grim picture, with Panipat, Karnal, and Kurukshetra registering severe air quality, while eight other districts recorded very poor levels. However, a slight improvement was noted in the evening due to wind activity.

District-wise AQI

Besides Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, other districts facing very poor air quality on Thursday included Ambala (384), Bhiwani (317), Charkhi Dadri (301), Gurugram (322), Hisar (314), Jind (376), Kaithal (312), and Rohtak (306).

In Panipat, the air quality index (AQI) reached a maximum of 450, while Karnal and Kurukshetra recorded AQI levels of 402 and 420, respectively, over the past 24 hours.

Previously, Sonepat experienced its highest AQI of 500 on October 20 and 21, placing it in the very severe category. The air quality then showed signs of improvement, dropping to 377 on October 22, 321 on October 23, and further to 301 on Thursday, though still in the very poor range.

Panipat’s AQI has fluctuated, recording a very poor level of 392 on October 20, rising to a severe level of 440 the following day. After briefly improving to 375 on October 22, it reached a hazardous level of 500 on October 23, and again recorded a severe 450 on Thursday.

Other districts facing very poor air quality on Thursday include Ambala (384), Bhiwani (317), Charkhi Dadri (301), Gurugram (322), Hisar (314), Jind (376), Kaithal (312), and Rohtak (306).

Meanwhile, the Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC) satellite report noted 15 stubble-burning fire incidents across the state, with Kurukshetra reporting five, and Fatehabad, Rohtak, and Yamunanagar each reporting two. Hisar, Jind, Panipat, and Rohtak recorded one incident each.

In Panipat, the Agriculture Department registered a case against a farmer in Bapoli for burning paddy stubble. Action was taken after satellite data confirmed the incident. Two government employees from Panipat and Sonepat districts were suspended for negligence as fires were reported in their areas.

Devender Kuhar, subject matter specialist in the Agriculture Department, reported 20 stubble-burning incidents in Panipat so far. "Eight cases have been registered against farmers for stubble burning, and fines totalling Rs 20,000 have been imposed," Kuhar stated.