Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Air quality across Punjab deteriorated sharply after Diwali celebrations, with firecracker emissions pushing pollution levels beyond alarming limits in several cities.
According to data recorded at 8 am on Monday, Mandi Gobindgarh emerged as the most polluted city in the state, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 382.
Jalandhar ranked second with an AQI of 327, while Ludhiana stood third at 306. All three cities fell in the 'very poor' air quality category, with prolonged exposure posing serious health risks and potentially causing respiratory problems.
Khanna recorded an AQI of 274, followed by Amritsar at 244 and Patiala at 201. Residents in these cities may also experience breathing discomfort, particularly children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory ailments.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh witnessed comparatively better air quality, with its AQI recorded at 134, placing it in the 'moderate' category.
The sharp rise in pollution levels after Diwali highlights the impact of firecracker emissions on air quality, leaving several parts of Punjab struggling with unhealthy air.
