The air quality in Delhi has plummeted into the “very poor” category, exacerbated by ongoing stubble burning in Punjab, contributing to the heavy layer of smog enveloping the national capital. On Thursday, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 379, which falls under the “very poor” range. Several parts of the city experienced AQI levels in the hazardous range, including areas like Sonia Vihar, Patparganj, and RK Puram, where the AQI crossed 380, and places such as Anand Vihar and Wazirpur reported dangerously high levels above 400, categorized as “severe.”
The alarming rise in air pollution has sparked widespread concerns, as the high AQI poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. The thin layer of smog that has blanketed the city is largely attributed to the continued practice of stubble burning in neighboring Punjab, where farmers burn crop residue to clear fields ahead of the new sowing season. Despite repeated calls for action, the practice continues to be a major source of particulate pollution in the region.
On Thursday, incidents of stubble burning were reported in Bathinda, Punjab, and other parts of the state. The latest data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) indicates that this year has seen a sharp rise in the number of farm fires, with a total of 9,655 incidents recorded so far. Monday alone saw 1,251 cases, marking the highest single-day count of stubble burning in Punjab this season. In comparison, 701 cases were reported on the same day last year, and 637 incidents were recorded in 2022.
The surge in stubble burning incidents underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing this seasonal issue, which continues to contribute significantly to air pollution in northern India. The practice is often driven by the time pressure farmers face to prepare their fields for the next crop cycle, as well as limited access to alternative, more sustainable methods of managing crop residue.
In response to the worsening pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. This includes a series of restrictions aimed at mitigating the impact of pollution, such as banning the entry of trucks and suspending public construction projects.
As Delhi continues to grapple with air quality concerns, the government has also urged Punjab authorities to take further measures to curb stubble burning. The long-term solution, however, lies in finding a balance between improving air quality and addressing the challenges faced by farmers, including providing access to better technologies and support for sustainable farming practices.
Sources By Agencies
