Bathinda, November 12 Visibility was reduced after a blanket of smog engulfed the city on Tuesday. The smog also affected the flow of traffic. The city has been witnessing haze for the past two days due to stubble burning. In the past one week, around 140 cases have been registered against farmers for burning crop residue. Though the administration has acted tough on them, cases of stubble have gone up as farmers continue to involve in the practice of stubble burning. It seems that the Punjab government’s initiative to provide Rs100 per quintal financial assistance to farmers has failed to convince them to do away with setting the crop residue on fire. On Monday, a total of 158 farm fire incidents were reported from the district. Environmentalists are of the view that owing to the fall in the temperature, the smog is getting accumulated near the surface of the earth. Besides, smoke arising out of burning stubble is getting mixed with fog. The situation in villages is even grim. Experts suggested that during smoggy weather, it is best to stay indoors, avoid heavy exercises and outdoor walks. Frequently sipping warm water helps keep the respiratory system healthy. It is best to avoid cold water and soft drinks, ice creams, smoking and alcohol. Health experts say face masks that are available at medical shops are not enough to help those suffering from respiratory diseases as the masks have small pores, which force the user to exert more pressure while breathing.

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