Punjab:Following two consecutive nights of Diwali celebrations, air quality across parts of Punjab took a severe hit, with certain districts recording hazardous pollution levels well beyond the measurable limit of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
As residents lit firecrackers into the late hours of Monday and Tuesday, toxic smoke blanketed several areas, causing a dramatic spike in air pollution. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), AQI levels touched the maximum reading of 500 in some locations late Monday night and remained critically high into the early hours of Tuesday.
Hourly readings showed that between 10 PM and 1 AM, pollution remained at the highest threshold. The AQI continued to fluctuate through the night—recording 500 at 2 AM, 417 at 3 AM, and eventually easing to 329 by 6 AM.
A separate analysis from an independent air quality monitoring platform reported even more alarming figures. According to this data, AQI levels reached 620 by 10 PM, soared to 716 at 11 PM, and remained well above 500 until early morning—peaking at 753 around 2 AM.
The immediate impact was visible by dawn, as a dense layer of smog settled over farmlands and open spaces, reducing visibility and raising health concerns, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Though a brief improvement was noted during the day as sunlight dispersed some of the suspended pollutants, air quality worsened again after sunset, when residents resumed firecracker use in continued celebrations.
Weather Outlook: Clear Skies, But Cool Mornings Ahead
Despite the pollution surge, the meteorological department has forecast clear skies for the next six days, which may help in gradual atmospheric recovery. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise slightly due to sunshine, though early mornings and evenings will continue to feel chilly.
Experts warn that while calm weather and lack of wind may contribute to lingering pollution levels, rising daytime temperatures could help disperse some of the pollutants over time.
Health officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activity during early mornings and late evenings, when pollutant concentrations are highest. People with pre-existing respiratory issues are advised to wear masks and avoid physical exertion outdoors.
Call for Stricter Controls
The post-Diwali air quality deterioration has renewed debates around the need for tighter restrictions on firecracker use. While green crackers and firework bans have been introduced in several parts of India in recent years, enforcement remains inconsistent, especially during major festivals.
Environmental advocates are calling on the Punjab government to implement more robust monitoring and awareness campaigns, especially in urban and peri-urban areas where pollution levels tend to spike the most.
