Jalandhar is battling extremely high pollution levels in its air. On Monday, the Air Quality Index in the city touched 204, a very dangerous level for human health. The fast rise in AQI was partly due to the burning of crop stubble in villages around this city. The smoke from the fields has shrouded the city with thick fog for at least the coming three days, experts said.
This pollution is also causing an increase in the number of people in Jalandhar complaining of cough, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties. Patients with chest infections and asthma have also increased. So to avoid these health issues, officials instructed the people to stay indoors, primarily in the early morning hours, as at that time smog is at its peak. When going outside is a must, masks should be used and outdoor exercises should be avoided for some days, as said by the doctor.
Warm water with jaggery can be consumed to ease throat problems. The person suffering from a cough may try gargling with salt water. As the light rains expected within the next few days will not clear the smog, for now the residents have been advised by the local authorities to be on their toes. Due to these rains, daytime temperatures are likely to drop by 3 to 4 degrees.