The winter season has officially set in across Punjab, with chilly mornings and evenings now extending into the daytime as well. Over the past 24 hours, the maximum temperature in the state has dropped by 0.3 degrees Celsius. Fazilka recorded the highest temperature in Punjab at 33.2 degrees, while other districts have experienced lower temperatures.
There are no rain alerts for today. However, stubble burning continues to be an issue, with 286 new cases reported, causing a continuous decline in air quality across the region. Punjab’s neighbouring city, Chandigarh, is facing severe air quality challenges, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 308 — a level considered hazardous.
In Chandigarh, AQI is monitored in three main areas. Sector-8, a VIP area, recorded an AQI of 296 at 5 a.m. Punjab University and areas near New Chandigarh registered an AQI of around 268, while areas close to Mohali had an AQI of 309, categorized as “Very Poor.” In Punjab, Mandi Gobindgarh has the worst AQI at 280, followed by Bathinda at 220, Patiala at 219, Khanna at 181, and both Ludhiana and Jalandhar at 159. To combat the pollution, authorities in Patiala and Chandigarh have deployed smog guns.
Following strict orders from the Supreme Court, the Punjab government has intensified its actions against stubble burning. So far, 977 nodal officers and supervisors have been issued notices, and 56 officials are facing departmental actions. Legal procedures under Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management Act have been initiated against some individuals. Additionally, the names of 2,111 individuals involved in stubble burning have been marked in revenue records, 2,711 cases have been filed, and fines totaling 5.49 million INR have been imposed, with 4.99 million INR already collected.
Punjab City-Wise Temperature on Tuesday :
• Chandigarh: 18 to 29°C.
• Amritsar: 17°C to 30°C.
• Jalandhar: 17°C and 30°C.
• Patiala: 17°C and 30°C.
• Mohali: 18°C to 29°C.
• Ludhiana: 17°C to 30°C.
As the cold season progresses, authorities and residents alike are urged to take necessary precautions against the growing air pollution while enjoying the cool, crisp winter weather.