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The recent fires in the forests of Morni and stubble burning in rural areas have led to ash falling from the sky over buildings and open spaces in Panchkula. While two incidents of fire were reported in the Morni forests last week, another was reported in the forests near Chandikotla village on the Panchkula-Kalka stretch of the national highway.
Though no loss of life was reported, significant stretches of forest cover was destroyed. Ash was seen on the roads and buildings in various residential sectors, with a thin blanket of smoke in Trans-Ghaggar sectors.
“Such incidents are quite common during this time of the year when temperatures are far above normal levels. Even a spark can lead to a major fire. Since Panchkula has a significant forest cover in Morni, Pinjore and Kalka, we are adequately prepared. All incidents in the past one week were also controlled within time,” said Narendra Kumar, a fire official.
According to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), air pollution levels remained within permissible limits. The average value of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) recorded on May 1 and 2 remained within the permissible limits at 46.88 microgram per cubic metre (standard value : 60), with NO2 at 24.79 microgram per cubic metre and CO at 460 microgram per cubic metre (standard value : 40-60).