Tue Nov 19 05:23:56 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Sees Sharp Spike in Farm Fires, Worsening Air Quality
**Chandigarh, November 19, 2024** – Punjab experienced a significant surge in farm fires on Monday, November 18th, with 1,251 incidents reported across the state, according to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). This represents the highest single-day increase during the current kharif harvesting season. Muktsar district recorded the most fires (247), followed by Moga (149) and Firozpur (130).
While the overall number of farm fires in Punjab this year is lower than the same period last year, a steady rise in incidents over the past two weeks has raised concerns about worsening air quality. Data from the Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modelling from Space (CREAMS) shows a dramatic increase from 108 fires on October 26th to 1,251 on November 18th.
This surge in stubble burning has contributed to a decline in air quality across the state. AQI readings in major cities like Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh have significantly increased since October 26th, moving from the moderate to poor categories. For example, Ludhiana’s AQI jumped from 159 to 287, while Chandigarh’s rose from 160 to 268.
The PPCB reports a total of 9,655 farm fires in Punjab between September 15th and November 18th, significantly lower than the 33,719 reported during the same period last year and 43,489 in 2022. However, the recent spike highlights the ongoing challenge of managing agricultural waste and its impact on air pollution in Punjab and neighboring regions, including Delhi.
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