Punjab: 67 new incidents of fire in fields, number reaches 10,749
Punjab: A total of 67 farm fire incidents were reported in Punjab today. Fazilka reported the highest number of 14 incidents, while Moga reported 10. Faridkot recorded eight incidents. The total number of farm fires reached 10,749. The state recorded 1,251 farm fire incidents on November 18, the highest this season. According to experts, the western disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir region has increased wind speed and helped dissipate pollutants and improve the state’s air quality. The AQI across the state fell to the moderate category, reducing the aerosol load.
Aerosol loading is the amount of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air, such as dust, smoke and haze. These particles can be natural or man-made and can have significant impacts on health. “Stubble burning is a major contributing factor behind the rising amount of pollutants, even if it is not the main reason,” said Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, professor of environmental health, department of community medicine and school of public health, PGIMER. “Since the beginning of November, the average wind speed has been around 2 kmph. Major agricultural work, including paddy harvesting and preparing the fields for the next crop, also takes place during this time of the year. The soil also remains loose due to the dry weather, leading to dust pollution. Burning of residues increases pollution levels,” said Dr Khaiwal.
