The air quality in parts of Haryana was recorded in the “very poor’’ category while it was reported to be in “poor’’ category in Punjab, on Wednesday.

According to pollution control boards of the two states, the reasons behind the same included the extended Diwali celebrations across the two states and stubble burning in some parts. The officials, nonetheless, held that there has been a drastic drop in the incidence of farm fires compared to previous years in the two states.

The farmers burn the stubble after harvesting the paddy crop in October and November – a practice which is blamed for the rise in air pollution – as the October-to-December window for sowing the rabi crop – wheat – is short.

The air quality index (AQI) at Dharuhera industrial town of Haryana’s Rewari district topped

See Full Page