The number of farm fires in Punjab has fallen to 599, the lowest since October 25.

On Sunday, Punjab recorded 599 farm fires, the lowest number since October 25 and more than four times the number reported the day before. The state reported 2,817 active farm fire events on Saturday, up from 181 on October 25.

Strong winds also dispersed the thick layer of smog that had enveloped Punjab. “As the wind picked up speed, farmers were hesitant to light stubble fires for fear of causing accidental fires in nearby fields.” As a result, farm fires have decreased,” said an agriculture department official.

Over the weekend, the air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ to very poor’ range at three key stations.

On Sunday, data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) revealed that only two districts had more than 100 fires, with Mansa having the most at 130.

On Sunday, Sangrur, which had topped the fire event chart since October 28, saw only 108 cases. Patiala (54), Muktsar (43), Barnala (41), and Fazilka (41) followed (40).

Following morning sunshine, the district experienced hazy conditions for the majority of the weekend. According to PRSC data, Bathinda had 36 fires, but its AQI remained in the ‘very poor category for the second day in a row. Bathinda’s average AQI was calculated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to be 306, the highest in Punjab.

Amritsar and Ludhiana had ‘poor’ air quality on a scale of 245 and 241, respectively.

Continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) in Jalandhar, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh, Patiala, and Rupnagar, on the other hand, indicated an a’moderate’ condition.

Only eight locations in six districts in Punjab’s 23 districts are equipped to audit AQI.