Air quality worsens in Almora and Bageshwar amid forest fires and stubble burning

Time of India

02-05-2025

Bageshwar: Air quality in the hill districts of Almora and Bageshwar has significantly declined over the past ten days, with many areas experiencing heavy smog, largely contributed by forest fires and
activities.
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The deteriorating conditions have raised health concerns among locals, while visitors have noted their dissatisfaction with the poor air quality in these traditionally pristine mountain regions.
Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements show Almora at 100 and Bageshwar at 95 — both significantly above their usual range of 20 to 25. Despite district authorities establishing various monitoring teams, the situation remains far from under control.
At least seven major fire incidents were reported in Bageshwar alone in the last week.
On Wednesday, a fire from burning agricultural waste spread to one Hema Devi's property in Bageshwar, damaging her fruit trees. "These trees were the result of years of hard work. Someone lit a fire in their field below, and the flames reached our house," she said, distressed.
Meanwhile, fires near Khuredi village in Almora destroyed over 50 fodder stacks belonging to ten families, while a major blaze in the Suri Van Panchayat forest in Sheetlakhet reached the Govt Inter College in Chaumudhar.
Agricultural practices in the hill regions often include stubble burning, with some farmers maintaining traditional beliefs about its benefits for soil fertility and pest control. "It is believed that burning stubble ensures a better crop," said Prakash Singh, a local farmer.
In contrast, 65-year-old Hansi Devi reminisced about traditional composting methods. "In the past, elders used to strictly oppose burning.
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We would compost wheat roots with cow dung. But people no longer follow these practices. No one listens to elders anymore," she lamented.
Tourists have also voiced their disappointment with the worsening air. "We came here for clean, fresh air. The hills were once known as the lungs of the country. But now it feels just like Delhi — all we can see is smog," said Deepam Arora, a visitor from Delhi.
In response to the crisis, the forest department has enhanced its public awareness initiatives, using vehicle-mounted loudspeakers for community education.
DFO Dhruv Martoliya confirmed the deployment of teams to monitor and control fire incidents.