Punjab’s air quality index continues to be in the moderate category as compared to the near-severe category in Delhi.
As the air quality in the national capital remains hazardous, affecting people’s health, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on Sunday reached 391, nearing the severe category. The Punjab AQI was 108 with Bathinda least polluted at 78.
Data collected from Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) show Punjab’s air quality in all major towns in the moderate category.
According to data, the AQI in Patiala was 116, Ludhiana 131, Amritsar 126, Khanna 95, Bathinda 78 and Jalandhar 162.
Experts said the AQI will only get better. “The air quality will improve with some help from western disturbance as and when it results in rain in Punjab. Depleting forest cover is another factor that adds to pollution as the green cover absorbs the pollutants,” they said.
A senior PPCB official said industrial and vehicular pollution and smoke emanating from brick kilns usually continues throughout the year and makes matters worse. “What is of worry is the flow of air laden with dust and other particles and less rain spells during the post-monsoon period in addition to construction-related activity,” he added.
A senior official said that now no state or agency “can blame the pollution on the neighbouring states, especially Punjab”.
“Air quality in Punjab will improve further in the coming days when the wind velocity increases. We are not comparing Punjab with Delhi, but the fact is for everyone to see now as we face allegations every year post paddy harvest,” he added.
Punjab witnessed a 53 per cent drop in the number of farm fires this year. The state recorded 5,114 cases this year against 10,909 in 2024. The biggest factor was the handing over of 1.58 lakh subsidised crop residue management machines to farmers since 2018 of which more than 16,000 were sanctioned this year.
In recent past, high pollution levels in Delhi have led to a blame-game between the Punjab and Delhi governments, both blaming each other for the pollution.
Recently, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Punjab should not be dragged into this political battle; instead, its farmers should be appreciated, and the Delhi and central governments should focus on addressing Delhi’s pollution.
Meanwhile, Punjab is witnessing foggy days following stable atmospheric conditions, weak solar effect and high moisture levels leading to persistent fog.