Air quality in Punjab worsens despite dip in farm fires; Bathinda worst hit
Punjab Air Pollution: The recent increase in farm fires has exacerbated Punjab's air quality. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality this year is worse than the same period last year.
This is despite a 47% decrease in stubble-burning cases in the state compared to the same period last year. Experts attribute the state's smog and poor air quality to a recent increase in farm fires.
According to the latest update, Bathinda remain the most polluted with an AQI of 410, followed by Ludhiana at 293, Amritsar at 226, Mandi Gobindgarh at 305 and Patiala at 250
Meanwhile, doctors and health experts said that this poor air quality affects the mental development of children. The remarks came as AQI in several parts of Delhi-NCR breached the 'severe' category. Doctors and health experts said that Delhi has taken the shape of a gas chamber with a thick layer of smog covering the city
According to health experts at Safdarjung Hospital, one of Delhi's largest hospitals, the AQI must remain below 60 for healthy lungs.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Head of Pulmonology Department at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, expressed concern about the declining air quality in the national capital, saying, "The people living in Delhi have to breathe in the air quality, which has reached a very poor category, which may cause serious diseases."
In addition, the doctor stated that pollution affects not only the lungs but also the entire body and people of all ages. According to Dr. Gupta, an increase in PM 2.5 levels increases the risk of skin and heart disease, as well as having a negative impact on the lower respiratory system. Not only that, but diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and chronic headaches can occur.
- With inputs from our correspondent
