Patiala (Punjab): Air pollution levels in the capital Delhi are continuously worsening. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has released data on stubble burning incidents in Punjab. According to the commission, a total of 4,459 stubble burning incidents have been reported in the state as of November 8. Of these, physical inspections were conducted at 2,998 locations, while evidence of stubble burning was found at 1,310 locations.
According to the report, environmental compensation has been imposed in 1,228 of these cases. A total fine of ₹62.55 lakh has been imposed, of which ₹32.60 lakh has been recovered.
Furthermore, FIRs have been registered in 884 cases under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Red entries have been made in the revenue records of 1,017 farms. Prosecution proceedings have also been initiated against 18 nodal officers under Section 14 of the CAQM Act.Highest number of stubble burning cases in Tarn Taran
According to district-wise data, Tarn Taran reported the highest number of stubble burning cases at 654, followed by Ferozepur at 592, Sangrur at 488, Bathinda at 406, and Patiala at 288.
During inspections, evidence of stubble burning was found at 306 locations in Tarn Taran and 247 locations in Ferozepur.
The report states that of the total 32.87 lakh hectares of paddy cultivation in Punjab, harvesting has been completed in 91.40 percent of the area.
Delhi’s AQI crosses 400, air quality extremely poor in many areas
Earlier, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi’s air quality reached near the severe category on Monday morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital crossed the 400 mark.
Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Saurabh Bhardwaj accused the government of manipulating AQI data. He demanded that the actual pollution figures be made public.
Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj claimed that pollution monitoring stations were closed and 20 new AQI stations were installed in remote, green areas of Delhi. He alleged that water was being sprayed directly on monitoring stations in polluted areas to make AQI readings appear lower.
Bhardwaj said, “The government’s data is based on fraud. We have shown how monitoring stations were closed and 20 new AQI stations were installed in remote, green areas of Delhi. Water is being sprayed directly on the monitoring stations to manipulate readings in polluted areas. People don’t trust the government’s AQI data, and neither do I.” He claimed that the AQI in many areas has exceeded 3,000.
AQI 441 in Burari, 437 in Vivek Vihar
The AQI was recorded above 400 at several pollution monitoring stations in Delhi. Burari Crossing recorded the highest AQI of 441, followed by Vivek Vihar at 437, Delhi Technological University (DTU) at 434, Delhi University’s North Campus and Jahangirpuri at 433 each, and Rohini at 430.
According to Monday morning’s data, the AQI was 417 in Mundka, 409 in Punjabi Bagh, 407 in NIH Narela and 407 in ITO. All these areas were recorded in the severe pollution category.