Air quality very poor in many parts of Haryana

Wed Nov 13 07:22:14 UTC 2024: ## Smog Engulfs Punjab and Haryana, Bhiwani Suffers Worst Air Quality

**Chandigarh, November 13, 2024:** Punjab and Haryana are grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, with Bhiwani recording the worst air quality in the region, reaching an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 358. The joint capital, Chandigarh, also recorded a concerning AQI of 355, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app.

Other cities in Haryana, including Panipat, Sonipat, and Charkhi Dadri, also registered AQI readings in the “very poor” category. Gurugram, a major city in the state, reported an AQI of 273, indicating a significant air pollution issue.

Punjab, too, is experiencing alarming levels of pollution. Mandi Gobindgarh recorded an AQI of 308, while Amritsar and Patiala also registered “poor” air quality levels.

Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana following the paddy harvest is considered a major contributor to the rising air pollution in the region. As farmers have a short window to sow the Rabi crop, wheat, after the paddy harvest, many resort to burning their fields to clear the crop residue.

This practice has been widely criticized as a major source of air pollution, particularly affecting Delhi, which lies downwind from Punjab and Haryana.