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Air quality

Punjab Witnesses Mixed Trends in Air Quality During Diwali, With Some Cities Showing Improvement

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the festive spirit of Diwali celebrated across Punjab, the state witnessed a mix of trends in air quality, with some cities recording improvement compared to previous years, while others faced alarming spikes in pollution levels. On Diwali day, most cities across the state recorded moderate air quality, but by Diwali night and the following day, the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose sharply in several regions, reflecting the impact of firecracker use during celebrations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ludhiana recorded an AQI of 139 on Diwali day, which rose to 281 after Diwali night.
  • Mandi Gobindgarh saw a jump from 207 to 293, while Patiala's AQI increased from 104 to 211.
  • Roopnagar went from 89 to 122, Amritsar from 132 to 227, and Jalandhar from 196 to 247.
  • Khanna recorded a smaller rise from 125 to 138.
  • Bathinda was one of the few cities where AQI dropped after Diwali, going from 204 on Diwali day to 133 the next day.
  • The average AQI for Punjab after Diwali night this year was 206, which is 19.2 per cent lower than in 2024 and 23.1 per cent lower than in 2021.
  • For brief periods during Diwali night, air quality in several cities spiked to extremely hazardous levels.
  • The Punjab Pollution Control Board reported that AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, 401 to 500 severe, and severe plus.
  • A short-lived but severe spike in AQI was recorded in parts of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar, with peaks of 438 and 486 around midnight.
  • The state is expected to face worsening air quality due to Diwali celebrations extending into Tuesday, as well as the paddy harvesting and wheat sowing seasons, which may involve stubble burning.

Statistics:

  • The average AQI for Punjab after Diwali night this year was 206.
  • The average AQI was 255 in 2024, resulting in a 19.2 per cent improvement.
  • The average AQI was 268 in 2021, marking a significant 23.1 per cent improvement compared to 2021.
  • On Diwali day, most cities across Punjab recorded moderate air quality.
  • Brief periods during Diwali night saw air quality spike to extremely hazardous levels, with AQI peaks of 438 and 486 in Ludhiana and Patiala, respectively.
  • According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, a large number of people are celebrating Diwali on Tuesday, potentially worsening air quality further.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com

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