Fri Nov 15 06:23:54 UTC 2024: ## Chandigarh Suffers From Very Poor Air Quality Amidst Rising Smog
**Chandigarh, India -** The Union Territory of Chandigarh and several parts of Haryana experienced very poor air quality on Friday, November 15, 2024, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While neighboring Punjab reported relatively better air quality, Chandigarh’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 327 at 10 a.m., marking the second consecutive day of concerning levels.
On Thursday, the AQI in Chandigarh, the shared capital of Haryana and Punjab, had reached a “severe” category for the first time this season. Friday saw similar levels in several Haryana cities including Gurugram (323), Bhiwani (346), Ballabhgarh (318), Jind (318), Karnal (313), Kaithal (334) and Sonipat (304).
Punjab, while facing a lower severity of air pollution, still recorded AQI values in the “poor” category. Amritsar reached 225, Ludhiana 178, Mandi Gobindgarh 203, Rupnagar 228, and Jalandhar 241.
Experts attribute the deteriorating air quality to stubble burning practices in Punjab and Haryana, where farmers set fire to their fields after harvesting paddy. The short window for sowing the wheat crop often compels farmers to resort to this method, leading to a surge in pollution.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing agricultural practices with environmental concerns in the region.
First Piper 