Patiala, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Patiala witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality on Monday, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 499, placing the city in the severe pollution category. The alarming reading comes amid continued stubble-burning incidents in the district, where the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has recorded 288 cases as of November 8.
According to an AQI monitoring website, the city’s AQI stood at 499 at 7:21 am on November 9. PM2.5 concentration was recorded at 323 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 levels reached 402 micrograms per cubic metre. The website also ranked Patiala 21st among the world’s most polluted cities at the time of the reading.
The PPCB’s latest report indicates that harvesting is nearing completion, with 96 per cent of the district’s total paddy cultivation area of 2.314 lakh hectares already harvested.
Of the 288 reported stubble-burning incidents, officials inspected 157 fields and confirmed burning at 94 locations. Three farms were also identified under the non-AFL category based on signs of stubble burning.
The board imposed environmental compensation in 68 cases, amounting to Rs 3.45 lakh. Of this, Rs 1.25 lakh has been recovered so far.
Enforcement measures have also included the registration of 77 FIRs, red entries in revenue records in 33 cases and the issuance of 185 warning notices.
The pollution situation has raised fresh concerns about public health, particularly as the city continues to experience extremely poor air quality following Diwali.
However, stubble burning and firecracker emissions should not be treated as the only explanations for the deterioration. Vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and prevailing weather conditions can also influence pollution levels. A comprehensive assessment of these factors is necessary to establish their respective contributions.
With the AQI reaching 499, the immediate challenge for the district administration and pollution control authorities is to strengthen enforcement and take effective measures to improve air quality and protect residents.
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