Chandigarh’s AQI touches 320 on Diwali night, improves rapidly by morning

Chandigarh’s skies turned hazy for a few hours on Diwali night as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 320 in parts of the city
Chandigarh AQI
Chandigarh AQI post DiwaliFile Photo
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Chandigarh’s skies turned hazy for a few hours on Diwali night as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 320 in parts of the city, slipping into the “very poor” category. However, the city witnessed a faster recovery this year, with air quality improving significantly by early morning.

Data from the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) showed that the city’s AQI remained in the “moderate” range for most of the day, hovering around 110–130. But after 8 pm, as residents began bursting crackers within the permitted two-hour window, pollution levels spiked sharply. Monitoring stations in Sectors 39 and 53 recorded AQI values above 300, while Sector 25 touched 290.

By sunrise, winds picked up across the Tricity, dispersing the dense layer of pollutants. The AQI dropped to below 200 by morning — a marked improvement compared to last year when poor air persisted for over 24 hours. “This year, the pollutants cleared faster due to favourable weather conditions,” said a CPCC official. “Public adherence to the two-hour rule and reduced cracker use also played a big role.”

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Chandigarh AQI

Authorities credited residents for showing greater restraint. The administration had imposed strict checks on the sale of non-green firecrackers and conducted awareness drives ahead of Diwali. Police teams also kept a close watch on bursting timings. Environmental groups reported a noticeable decline in cracker sales across major markets like Sector 22 and Sector 19.

Despite the improvement, experts warned that even short-term exposure to poor air can have lasting effects. “Children, the elderly, and asthma patients remain the most vulnerable,” said a Chandigarh-based pulmonologist. “We recorded a rise in cases of coughing and throat irritation on Diwali night.”

Compared to neighbouring cities in Punjab, Chandigarh fared relatively better. Ludhiana and Jalandhar recorded AQIs above 250, while Mohali briefly touched 290. Officials say continued coordination between state pollution boards could further reduce post-festival spikes, especially with the onset of stubble burning season.

For many residents, the changing attitude toward eco-friendly celebrations offers hope. “We avoided crackers this time and decorated our home with diyas instead,” said Ritu Kaura, a Sector 22 resident. “It felt just as festive, and the air was clearer by morning.”

While Chandigarh managed to breathe easier this Diwali, officials warn that the battle against pollution is far from over. "As winter approaches, efforts to control vehicular emissions and crop-residue burning will be crucial to keeping the city’s air clean beyond the festival season", say experts.

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