Rising Smoke: Punjab and Haryana's Air Quality Crisis

Air quality in Punjab and Haryana slipped into 'poor' and 'very poor' categories, affected largely by farm fires. AQI in Chandigarh hit 349. Stubble burning, a quick field-clearing technique post-paddy harvest, is majorly blamed for this environmental concern, as tensions over pollution escalate.

On Tuesday, air quality in Punjab and Haryana experienced a decline, registering in the 'poor' category, while Chandigarh faced even harsher conditions with 'very poor' air quality, according to data from environmental authorities.

The pressing situation is attributed to a resurgence of farm fires in Punjab, which reported 83 new incidents, bringing the total number of fires to 7,112. Detailed readings from the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer app revealed an AQI of 349 in Chandigarh by 9 pm.

Officials attribute the increase in pollution to stubble burning practices, an expedient method used by farmers post-paddy harvest, that frequently contributes to heightened air pollution levels across the region, impacting Delhi's air quality as well.

(With inputs from agencies.)