Severe air pollution in Faridkot, AQI reaches 662
The air quality index in Faridkot has reached an alarming level of 662. People are facing breathing difficulties due to stubble burning in fields and smoke from firecrackers.
Air pollution in Faridkot has reached an extremely dangerous level, where the air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 662. On Wednesday morning, a thick layer of smoke blanketed the city and nearby areas, making it difficult for people to breathe under the open sky.
The main reason for this condition is considered to be the stubble being burned in the fields and smoke from firecrackers burst on the occasion of Diwali. Due to this high level of pollution, Faridkot topped the list of the most polluted cities in the world.
Expressing concern over the state of the environment, social worker Kewal Krishan Kataria stated that polluted air is having an adverse effect on people's health. Children and the elderly are facing problems like breathing difficulties and eye irritation. He appealed to the people to cooperate in stopping activities that increase pollution.
During the days of Diwali, cases of stubble burning increased rapidly in Punjab. According to satellite records, 1,152 cases surfaced on November 8 and 198 cases on the next day. Among districts, the highest number of fire incidents were recorded in Tarn Taran with 654, Ferozepur with 592, Sangrur with 488, and Bathinda with 406 locations.
The administration has registered cases under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against 884 cultivators for setting fires in the fields up to November 8. In addition, red entries were made in the land records of 1,017 landowners and an environmental compensation of Rs 62.55 lakh was imposed on 1,228 persons, out of which Rs 32.60 lakh has been recovered. Court cases have also been filed against 18 supervising officials for showing negligence.
Nothing has yet been proved in court.
Earlier, due to high pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, GRAP Stage-3 restrictions were also implemented, where the average AQI was recorded between 304 and 307.
Key developments
- Air reached severe category in Faridkot with AQI recorded at 662.
- Dense layer blanketed the city due to stubble and Diwali firecracker smoke.
- Children and elderly affected due to breathing difficulty and eye irritation.
- Cases registered against 884 farmers across Punjab for stubble burning.
