Kanpur witnesses poor air quality due to burning of paddy straw

Just after Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a poor air quality after Diwali, Kanpur's air quality index has been reeling under the poor category due to the stubble burning in the nearby areas. According to reports, the plumes present in the air have further deteriorated the pollution in the city. Further, it has been revealed that the pollution levels in the city have reached to a new high of 437 from 333. 

Locals' comments

According to the local residents of Kanpur, there is a difficulty in breathing due to the increasing pollution levels. One of the residents stated that "I have to wear an anti-pollution mask as Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 400 marks and the lungs have turned to brown from red and have become difficult to breathe." Another resident said their eyes are constantly burning due to the pollution. Further reports stated that the traffic police is facing the maximum brunt of the poor air quality. Speaking to ANI, they said, "Kanpur faces the heat of the pollution all year round, the AQI has become worse after Diwali. We have to perform our duty and in order to save ourselves, wear anti-pollution masks."

READ: WATCH: Air quality (AQI) levels in Delhi continues to plummet

SC summons Chief Secretaries of Haryana, UP and Punjab

Addressing the issue of the high pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court of India on Monday, November 4, has summoned the Chief Secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana over the issue of stubble burning. According to reports, the SC has directed the Central Government and Delhi Government to tackle the issue of pollution and smog in the national capital with the help of experts. Stubble burning is found the most in these three states, leading to increased pollution levels. 

READ: As Delhi's Odd-Even begins, here's a comparison of AQI in other cities

22 farmers arrested in Punjab

In a bid to curb stubble burning to control the pollution, the Ludhiana District Administration has arrested 22 farmers and registered 45 FIRs. A thick blanket of smog hovers over the northern plains of the country mainly due to burning of paddy straw in the fields of Punjab. Burning crop residue is a crime under Section 188 of the IPC and under the Air and Pollution Control Act of 1981.

READ: Smog cover hovering over Delhi lifts, AQI improves to 'very poor'

WATCH: AQI level crosses 900 in New Delhi and nearby areas

(WITH ANI INPUTS)