Fire outbreaks surge: 57 incidents recorded despite cyclone Dana's weakening

Patiala (The Uttam Hindu) : The Meteorological Department's announcement that Cyclone Dana will have negligible or no impact on the region's weather has brought significant relief to farmers. Many crops are currently exposed in mandis across the area, awaiting collection. Surendra Paul, Director of the Chandigarh Meteorological Centre, indicated that similar weather conditions are expected to persist next week, with a low likelihood of any western disturbance. As a result, the chances of rain or strong winds, which could help clear dust, remain slim.

On Wednesday, the state recorded 57 farm fire incidents, contributing to a total of 1,638 so far this season. The breakdown included fourteen fires in Patiala, nine in Amritsar, eight in Ferozepur, five in Fatehgarh Sahib, and four each in Bathinda and Ludhiana. While incidents of residue burning have decreased overall, Amritsar leads the state with 451 reported cases, followed by Tarn Taran and Patiala. Meanwhile, air quality in major districts is deteriorating, with Mandi Gobind emerging as the most polluted city, recording an AQI of 234, followed by Amritsar at 210.

Health officials have issued warnings about the current conditions, which are conducive to nasal and bronchial allergies. Dr. Vishal Chopra, head of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at the TB Hospital in Patiala, noted an uptick in patients experiencing coughs, allergies, and asthma. He advised people to minimize direct exposure and to wear masks and glasses while traveling. Additionally, Health Minister Balbir Singh has advocated for supporting farmers instead of penalizing them for stubble burning, suggesting that financial incentives for residue management could help reduce these incidents. The government has already imposed significant penalties, totaling Rs 10.55 lakh, on farmers found burning stubble.