Fazilka faces rising air pollution as farm fires surge; AQI hits ‘very unhealthy’ levels

This week, Fazilka district has witnessed a sharp rise in farm fires and stubble burning incidents, as revealed by satellite data. As a result, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region has surged to 207. The deteriorating air quality has raised concerns about public health, particularly for those with respiratory problems.

In light of the worsening conditions, Jakhar Trust announced a change in the reporting time for the marathon races scheduled for Sunday. The 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races would now begin at 7.15 am, with participants asked to report by 7 am, an hour later than initially planned. The decision was made due to the dense fog and smog that have worsened the weather, making it hazardous for outdoor activities. Over 5,000 athletes are expected to take part in the three categories of the race.

Local authorities have been addressing the problem of farm fires, with 16 FIRs filed at various police stations across the district. However, only two suspected farmers have been identified so far.

On Tuesday, FIRs were registered for farm fires in Thatheran Wala village, under the jurisdiction of the Amirkhas police station and Kandhwala Hazar Khan village in the Arniwala area.

Two incidents of farm fires were reported on Wednesday.

The highest number of cases was reported on Thursday with fires in multiple villages, including Dhaban Kokrian (2), Bahadur Khera, Azam Wali (Khui Khera), Santokh Singh Wala, Moolianwali (2), Muradwala Dalsingh and Lakhe Ke Uttar.

On Friday, three more stubble burning cases were reported in Bahadur Khera, under Abohar Sadar police jurisdiction. Two farmers, Nachhatar Kaur and Dharam Singh, were identified as suspects in these incidents.

Farmers cultivating land near the Indo-Pak border have raised concerns about the impact of smog from across the border, claiming it is affecting their families as well.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, Civil Surgeon Dr Chander Shekhar Kakkar has urged the public to stay informed about the AQI levels. He advised individuals suffering from asthma and other respiratory conditions to be cautious. Dr Kakkar recommended avoiding outdoor activities in areas with high pollution, especially in the early morning and late evening, unless absolutely necessary.