Delhi AQI crosses 444 as CAQM cracks down on stubble burning across nine Punjab districts

As a result of increased incidents of fire burning, the CAQM issued show-cause notices to the DCs and SSPs of five districts of Punjab—Jalandhar, Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, and Fazilka—due to not following anti-pollution rules. The Punjab district numbers targeted are now nine.

Previously: The CAQM issued notices to administration officials in Gurdaspur and Kapurthala on November 3, following the orders issued in Amritsar and Tarn Taran on Nov 1.

Fires detected: ICAR-IARI detected incidents of 467 active fire burning in northern and central India on Wednesday, of which Punjab alone contributed 151.

Bathinda ranked first with 19 fires in one day

The IITM data reveals that pollution resulting from fire burning contributed 16.28% to PM2.5 in Delhi.

While emissions caused by transport sector vehicles continue to remain the single biggest source of pollution, with the highest contribution of 18.17%.

As per predictions by IMD and IITM, weather conditions are not conducive for dispersal of pollution due to a drop in temperature and weak winds in the evening.

Vehicular exhaust from the local transport sector remained the primary single source, accounting for 18.17% of total emissions.

Outlook signals severe pollution through Diwali weekend

Weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM indicate limited dispersion due to dropping temperatures and light evening winds.

While shallow fog and surface winds reaching 20 km/h will offer slight daytime ventilation, Delhi's AQI is projected to slip into the 'Severe' category through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during Diwali celebrations.

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