Throughout this year, Jalandhar and most of Punjab have recorded a less than good Air Quality Index of over 200, and sometimes listed as "Very Poor" and "Unhealthy". Jalandhar recorded an AQI of 220 and this is a health peril scourge to all but more to children, old people, and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and to the obese. When exposed for a long time, such conditions not only promote chronic cough, but psychologically and physically, become a burden with the enhancement of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough.
The deepest parts of the lungs and the bloodstream are reached by the most dangerous and aggressive small particles, including PM10, PM2.5, and ash, causing lungs to become inflamed.
Fortunately, most of the time, we see improvements in the AQI figures after Diwali. This is due to the monsoon winds, temperature shifts, and light showers that help in breaking and removing accumulated pollutants. But in this case, the trend appears to be the opposite. The AQI is still elevated several weeks after the festival and shows no signs of improving. Analysts have linked this to the standard weather pattern in Punjab. Stagnant weather systems and higher pressure in the air result in a temporary standstill in the development of weather, and these geo-climatic conditions created worse air in that period rather than the cleaner air we expect during this time of the year.
The difference in this year's data as compared to last year's is very evident. During late October to early November of 2024, Jalandhar's AQI was between 150 to 180, which is still rated as "Poor" but is significantly better than the current readings which are above 200. Ludhiana, Amritsar and even Chandigarh also shows the same patterns with the AQI frequently crossing the 180 mark which indicates a regional escalation as well.
