As the festival season begins, air quality in Punjab has once again deteriorated. Air pollution levels are rapidly rising in many cities across the state, causing respiratory problems for residents. This situation is particularly concerning for the elderly, children, and asthma patients.
According to reports, on Tuesday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 176 in Amritsar, 165 in Jalandhar, and 162 in Ludhiana. This puts Jalandhar at second place among Punjab’s most polluted cities. According to experts, this level falls in the “unhealthy category.” It is reported that in the evening, when traffic increases and wind speed decreases, pollution levels increase even more.
According to environmental experts, the concentration of fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 in these cities has been found to be much higher than normal. These particles can enter the lungs directly and cause respiratory diseases. Furthermore, the burning of stubble in fields is also increasing pollution levels. Smoke from firecrackers during festivals, crowds in markets, and increased vehicle traffic are further contributing to pollution. In many areas, construction work and road dust are also contaminating the air.
