Average AQI 169, air quality improves

The district logged a total of 66 farm fires so far with four fires being reported today. The district, which has been among the worst polluted zones in the country ever since Diwali, witnessed a marginally better air quality today as the average AQI returned to moderate level after the high maximum level of 500 yesterday.

The average AQI registered in Jalandhar was 169 while the maximum was at the “very poor” level of 354. However, the evening witnessed a thick layer of smog over the district.

Collectively, 289 farm fires have been reported in Kapurthala this paddy season so far – (223 at Kapurthala and 66 in Jalandhar).

The two districts are about to surpass the 300 mark soon. Collectively, 92 farm fires had been reported in Jalandhar and Kapurthala in the first three days of November alone.

This has been marked by deteriorating air quality, especially in Jalandhar, where vehicular and construction waste pollution are also the key factors in contributing pollutants to air.

In Jalandhar, in November, 27 farm fires have been reported. On November 1, 15 farm fires were reported, on November 2, eight and on November 3, four farm fires were reported. Of the eight farm fires reported yesterday in Jalandhar - four were at Shahkot, two at Phillaur, one each at Nakodar and Adampur.

Meanwhile at Kapurthala, 65 farm fires have been reported in the month of November alone. As many as 15 farm fires were reported in Kapurthala yesterday and seven today. On November 1, 43 farm fires were reported in Kapurthala.