Indian Punjab recorded its highest single-day spike in paddy stubble-burning incidents this season, with 194 farm fires reported across the state, worsening smog in Lahore.
According to Indian media reports, experts expect farm fires to increase further as the wheat sowing season is set to begin on November 1. Incidents are likely to peak around Diwali.
The first two weeks of November are considered ideal for wheat sowing, putting pressure on farmers to clear their fields after the paddy harvest.
India’s Tarn Taran Sahib district topped the list with 397 farm fires, followed by Amritsar with 171 and Ferozepur with 104.
Meanwhile, air quality in Lahore remains unhealthy in several areas. CERP Office recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 240, followed by ARM at 214, Burki Road at 210, and Allama Iqbal Town B at 203.
Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index of 419 this week, putting the city in the hazardous category.
The Punjab government has stepped up action against sources of air pollution, including smoke-emitting vehicles, brick kilns, industrial units, plastic burning and construction dust. However, pollution from across the Indian border has also contributed to worsening smog in Lahore.
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) said it is using artificial intelligence-powered cameras to identify smog-related violations across the province.
The authority urged motorists to avoid using vehicles that emit excessive smoke and advised the public against burning waste.
Note: Residents can report environmental violations by calling the police emergency number 15.
