'Dangerous than smoking': Jalandhar's AQI poorest in Punjab, know how it's impacting you

Even after 8 days of Diwali 2025, the Air Quality of multiple districts of Punjab is worsening, While Delhi has already become a gas chamber, Punjab is suffering from the worsening AQI problem.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Jalandhar's AQI is poorest in Punjab when checked at 3 pm. CPCB reported that Jalandhar's AQI on October 29 at 3 pm was 241 which comes under poor category. Khanna is second on the list with 231 AQI.

Dr. Naresh Batla, Associate Professor and Head of Chest Department PIMS, Ex Civil Surgeon, while talking to True Scoop informed that breathing such poor AQI continuously is much more dangerous than smoking.

"If the AQI level remains similar for a long time, chronic disease can happen to people. It can impact heart as well as chest. COPD diseases of Chest. Just like smokers, non-smokers will face similar problems. Such AQI is more dangerous than smoking," said Dr. Naresh Batla.

"Without even smoking, you may face similar problem or disease like smokers. The AQI worsened during Diwali but it is still the same in Jalandhar."

"Nowadays, number of patients related to chest problem have been increased as well. Many chest related patients are now coming to PIMS. On daily bases, 15 to 20 chest related patients are coming."

"Even cough, fever, allergy patients are also coming. 10 to 15 patients are related to cough, fever and allergy are coming daily. We advise people to not do early morning walk for the time being. If you want have a walk dont do it early morning. Wait to settle down the Air Quality, then perform your morning walk. Walk in green and open areas. Even traffic is contributing to worsening AQI. Patients also suffer eye problem in such AQI. Dust and pollution lead to conductivities," added Dr. Naresh Batla.