Haryana Battles Air Pollution Despite Reduced Stubble Burning

Despite a decrease in reported stubble burning cases to 24 on Saturday, Haryana continues to grapple with poor air quality. While the number of farm fires has reduced, the air quality in Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, and other areas remains “very poor” and “poor,” primarily due to fuel emissions, road dust, and construction activities. The AQI in Gurgaon reached 310, while Bahadurgarh recorded 290, Charkhi Dadri 284, and Manesar 281. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has initiated water sprinkling in affected areas and civic bodies are cleaning roads. Meanwhile, the agriculture department continues to penalize farmers engaging in stubble burning. While the number of farm fires has decreased, the overall air quality remains concerning, with several districts experiencing “poor” air quality due to a combination of factors including stubble burning, Diwali fireworks, and dust.