With Diwali approaching on November 8, air quality is once again a concern for Jalandhar residents and as per reports the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 211 at around 12:31 pm on Wednesday, placing it in the Poor category under India’s air-quality classification.
The reading comes as last year’s pollution levels highlight how sharply air quality can deteriorate during the festive period.
Jalandhar’s AQI: What the numbers mean
An AQI between 201 and 300 falls in the Poor category. Prolonged exposure at these levels can cause breathing discomfort in most people, particularly those with existing respiratory conditions and the current reading of 211 indicates a need for caution, but it does not establish which pollutants are responsible or whether firecrackers have contributed to the present pollution levels.
What happened during Diwali last year?
Published reports on Jalandhar’s air quality during Diwali 2025 recorded an average AQI of 249 on October 20, 260 on October 21 and 264 on October 22. The maximum AQI reached 500 on all three days, indicating severe pollution episodes.
The city had also recorded an average AQI of 237 and a maximum of 500 on Diwali in 2024.
The current reading of 211 is numerically lower than last year’s reported average of 260 for October 21.
These records underline why air quality deserves close monitoring as the festival approaches. They do not establish that Jalandhar will experience the same conditions in 2026.
Why pollution can rise during Diwali
Firecrackers release particulate matter and gases that can worsen air quality over short periods. Weather conditions also play a role. Weak winds and limited atmospheric mixing can prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing them to accumulate near the ground.
However, firecrackers are not the only source of pollution. Vehicle emissions, industrial activity, road dust, waste burning and agricultural residue burning can also contribute to poor air quality in Punjab.
Research examining pollution across 14 cities in the Indo-Gangetic Basin during a Diwali-related pollution episode has documented the role of emissions and atmospheric conditions in worsening air quality. These findings provide wider context but should not be interpreted as a direct measurement of Jalandhar’s current pollution levels.
Health risks and precautions
Poor air quality can aggravate asthma, cause coughing and breathing discomfort, and worsen existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease should take extra care when pollution levels are high.
Residents can check reliable AQI updates before outdoor activities, reduce strenuous exercise during polluted periods and avoid areas filled with smoke. A well-fitting N95 respirator can reduce exposure to airborne particles, although it does not protect against every gaseous pollutant. Anyone experiencing severe breathlessness or chest pain should seek urgent medical attention.
Can Jalandhar avoid another pollution spike?
The coming weeks offer an opportunity for authorities and residents to limit avoidable pollution. Regular air-quality monitoring, public updates, dust control, prevention of open waste burning and action against avoidable emissions can help reduce exposure.
Jalandhar’s reported pollution levels during Diwali 2025 show how severe conditions can become during the festive period. The current AQI reading of 211 is a reason to remain alert, not proof of an emerging Diwali-related pollution spike.