Jalandhar air is getting polluted at an accelerating rate in the lead-up to Diwali, with experts giving warnings for poisoned conditions over the coming days due to humid weather and firecracker pollution. The city's AQI is 184 today, placing it in the 'Poor to Unhealthy' category based on real-time observations by AQI India and CPCB bulletins.
Current AQI situation in Punjab
Until October 20, the air quality in Jalandhar has deteriorated from the previous week when the AQI had been below 100. During the last three days, the index increased from 124 on October 17 to 151 on October 19 and is currently at critical 184. depending upon the time and station.
The other cities of the state are also showing alarming trends, Ludhiana (160 Poor), Patiala (157 Moderate) & Mandi Gobindgarh (178 Very Poor). Punjab's overall AQI varied between 145 to 328 in the past 24 hours, i.e., most areas of the state are moving towards the unhealthy zone.
Main reasons for worsening air quality
The experts attribute the boom to dry weather, sluggish wind movement, and rising cases of stubble burning in central and southern Punjab districts. No rains are forecast until Diwali, with fair weather maintaining emissions near ground level. Temperature inversion effect on cold nights also prevents smoke and particulate matter dispersal, leading to peaks during dawn hours.
Diwali celebration concerns
Air quality usually drops sharply on and following Diwali due to the emission of firecrackers. This year, there is a further worry as Diwali celebrations in Punjab last for two days, the festival of lights and Govardhan Puja, adding to the period of exposure. Experts warn that the AQI can cross the 300 mark (Very Poor) if people indulge in fireworks at will.
In 2024, such twin-day festivities had pushed Amritsar's AQI above 340 and Chandigarh's above 289, confining both towns to the dangerous category for 48 hours post-Diwali. Officials this year have focused a lot on green crackers, and the Punjab Pollution Control Board is monitoring real-time monitoring to prevent a post-festival pollution peak once again.
What's next
Predictions show that the AQI levels will continue to deteriorate tonight and on Diwali day, particularly between 7 PM and 2 AM, during which the combustion of firecrackers would be highest. Meteorologists are expecting slight relief after October 22 when temperatures increase slightly and winds pick up speed.