How Did AQI in Punjab and Haryana Drop to Severe Levels Post-Diwali?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
After the festive season of Diwali, the air quality in Punjab and Haryana drastically deteriorated, with many areas reaching severe AQI levels. Despite fewer stubble burning incidents, pollution remains a pressing issue. Discover how local practices impact air quality and the health of residents in these regions.
Key Takeaways
- Chandigarh AQI reached 146, categorized as 'poor'.
- AQI levels in Punjab and Haryana dropped to severe categories post-Diwali.
- Fewer stubble burning incidents reported this year compared to previous years.
- Major contributors to air pollution include agricultural fires and winds carrying pollutants.
- Continued efforts are necessary to address air quality issues.
Chandigarh, Oct 21 (NationPress) Following Diwali celebrations, the air quality in numerous regions of Punjab and Haryana has plunged into the 'severe' and 'hazardous' classifications on Tuesday.
As reported by AQI.in, a platform dedicated to tracking the air quality index (AQI), Chandigarh recorded an AQI of 146, categorizing it as 'poor'. The AQI scale designates values from zero to 50 as 'good', 51 to 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 as 'moderate', 201 to 300 as 'poor', 301 to 400 as 'very poor', 401 to 450 as 'severe', and any figure above 450 as 'severe plus'.
In Punjab, the AQI readings were 209 in Ludhiana, 225 in Amritsar, 198 in Jalandhar, 242 in Bathinda, and 233 in Patiala. Meanwhile, in Haryana, AQI levels reached 247 in Faridabad, 343 in Sonipat, 201 in Karnal, 328 in Bhiwani, 247 in Jind, and 279 in Charkhi Dadri. The increase in air pollution has been attributed to agricultural fires.
Nevertheless, this year saw a significant reduction in agricultural fires in both states compared to previous years. On Monday, Punjab reported 45 instances of stubble burning, a minor decline from the record 67 fires noted on October 19, which was the highest recorded this season.
The majority of these incidents were reported in Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts, according to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
Haryana recorded 30 cases of agricultural fires by October 17, a dramatic drop from 601 incidents during the same timeframe last year. The figures for previous years showed 546 in 2023, 330 in 2022, and 1,026 in 2021, indicating a steady decline in stubble burning practices.
District-wise data shows that Jind had the highest number of cases (nine), followed by Sirsa and Sonepat with four each, and Faridabad with three. Kaithal, Panipat, and Yamunanagar each reported two cases.
The practice of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is frequently blamed for the increased air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. An air quality expert noted that the recent spike in AQI levels in Chandigarh can be attributed to winds carrying pollutants from surrounding areas in Punjab and Haryana.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the persistent challenges posed by air pollution in regions like Punjab and Haryana. While there are fewer agricultural fires reported this year, the continued impact on air quality calls for sustained efforts and innovative solutions to ensure the health and safety of communities across the nation.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current AQI in Punjab and Haryana?
After Diwali, the AQI in Punjab and Haryana has significantly dropped into the 'severe' and 'hazardous' categories, with Ludhiana at 209 and Faridabad at 247.
How does stubble burning affect air quality?
Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution in Punjab and Haryana, leading to spikes in AQI levels across the region, particularly affecting Delhi-NCR.
Have farm fires increased or decreased this year?
This year, both Punjab and Haryana have reported fewer farm fires compared to previous years, indicating a positive trend in reducing stubble burning.
What measures are being taken to improve air quality?
State authorities are working on implementing stricter regulations and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate air pollution.
What are the health implications of poor air quality?
Poor air quality can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and decreased overall quality of life.
