CHANDIGARH: The air quality in many parts of Haryana was recorded in the 'very poor' category, while it was in the 'poor' bracket in parts of neighbouring Punjab.
Residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog and haze after post Diwali celebrations on Tuesday.
As per the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Haryana and Bahadurgarh recorded the worst air quality as its Air Quality Index (AQI) was 358 at 8 am, while Jind recorded 350.
The monitoring stations of Sector 51 and Vikas Sadan of Gurugram recorded the AQI 348 and 325, respectively.
The AQI was 343 in Rohtak, 307 in Bhiwani, 296 in Sirsa, 290 in Kaithal, 255 in Sonipat, 249 in Faridabad, 234 in Kurukshetra, 231 in Panipat, and 225 in Karnal.
While in neighboring Punjab, as per CPCB data, Ludhiana recorded the highest pollution level in the state at 282, followed by Mandi Gobindgarh at 275, both falling in 'poor’ category.
While Jalandhar recorded an AQI level of 239, Amritsar recorded 212 and 206 was recorded Patiala.
Khanna recorded a moderate AQI of 144, followed by 142 in Rupnagar and 140 in Bathinda.
The air quality remains a concern with many celebrating Diwali on Tuesday evening, leading to more bursting of crackers.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board has strictly directed people to abide by instructions related to the bursting of green firecrackers during the stipulated 8 pm to 10 pm duration.
The air quality in these areas last week was in the moderate category.
The average AQI of Punjab remained 234, which is lower than last year’s average of 255. It was 207 in 2023, 224 in 2022 and 268 in 2021.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe', and above 450 'severe plus'.
Meanwhile, 42 incidents of stubble burning were recorded yesterday evening in Punjab on Diwali day. Thus, the total number of farm fires this season has now reached 353. While the previous day (Sunday) recorded 67 incidents across the state, the highest so far.
Among districts, poll-bound Tarn Taran topped the list with 12 stubble burning incidents, followed by Patiala and Amritsar with eight incidents each.
