Punjab has witnessed a noticeable improvement in air quality following rainfall in neighbouring hill states and cloudy weather conditions across parts of the state over the past 48 hours. Fresh air quality readings on Saturday showed that only two of the six monitored cities remained in the 'poor' category, while the others recorded moderate pollution levels, offering some relief nearly a week after Diwali.
However, the improvement in air quality comes against the backdrop of continued stubble burning, with more than 200 farm fires reported on Friday alone. The cumulative number of farm fire incidents in Punjab has crossed 5,800 this season, keeping concerns over agricultural pollution alive even as weather conditions have helped disperse pollutants.
Patiala records cleanest air among six cities
According to the latest readings cited in the report, Patiala recorded the lowest Air Quality Index (AQI) in Punjab at 144 on Saturday afternoon, placing it in the moderate category.
Mandi Gobindgarh, which had witnessed poor air quality during the previous week, also showed improvement, with its AQI declining to 188. Other cities remained in the moderate category, indicating a broader improvement across the monitored locations.
Amritsar and Bathinda, however, continued to experience poor air quality, with AQI readings of 225 and 210, respectively.
Khanna recorded an AQI of 155, a significant improvement from 235 on Friday, while Ludhiana's reading stood at 151.
The readings suggest that the improvement has been widespread, although pollution levels remain above the satisfactory range in all six cities.
Wind conditions help disperse pollutants
Environmental experts have attributed the improvement largely to favourable weather conditions, particularly stronger winds that helped disperse pollutants accumulated in the atmosphere.
Rainfall in neighbouring hill states and cloudy conditions over Punjab during the past two days have also coincided with the improvement. Experts believe that further rainfall accompanied by high-velocity winds could bring additional relief.
However, the improvement should not be interpreted as a complete resolution of the pollution problem. Weather conditions can temporarily improve air quality by dispersing or washing out pollutants, while emissions from vehicles, industries, construction activity and agricultural residue burning continue to contribute to pollution.
Farm fires remain a major concern despite improvement
While the air quality situation has improved, the rising number of stubble-burning incidents remains a significant concern for Punjab.
More than 200 fresh farm fire incidents were reported on Friday, taking the cumulative seasonal count beyond 5,800, according to the figures cited in the report.
Official data reported on November 12 had put Punjab's cumulative farm fire count at 5,517 between September 15 and November 11. The state had recorded 515 incidents on November 11 alone, highlighting the continuing challenge of controlling stubble burning.
Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Sangrur were among the districts reporting the highest number of incidents.
Despite government initiatives, financial assistance and enforcement measures to discourage crop residue burning, farm fires continue to be reported across the state.
Experts believe that the approaching end of the paddy harvesting and stubble-burning season could bring further improvement in air quality across Punjab and other parts of northern India. However, the extent of relief will also depend on prevailing weather conditions and the number of fresh fire incidents.
Understanding Punjab's AQI levels
Under the Central Pollution Control Board's National Air Quality Index classification, air quality is divided into six categories:
0–50: Good
51–100: Satisfactory
101–200: Moderate
201–300: Poor
301–400: Very Poor
401–500: Severe
With five of the six cities recording moderate air quality in the reported Saturday readings, Punjab has received some temporary relief. However, the continued occurrence of farm fires highlights why sustained efforts to control stubble burning remain essential.