Ludhiana Chokes: Post-Diwali Smog Crisis Plunges Air Quality into 'Very Poor' Category

Ludhiana residents found themselves trapped under a suffocating blanket of smog this week, as the festive glow of Diwali gave way to an alarming decline in air quality. The city, usually bustling with vibrant life, has been left gasping for air, with pollution levels soaring to 'very poor' category, triggering widespread health concerns and a palpable sense of unease among its inhabitants.

The post-Diwali period has once again cast a dark shadow over Punjab's industrial hub.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) paints a grim picture: Ludhiana's Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged to a staggering 311 (classified as 'poor') on Monday, November 13th. The situation deteriorated further, escalating to a worrying 368 ('very poor') by Tuesday, November 14th. This drastic spike in pollutants has shrouded the city in a dense haze, reducing visibility and turning the very act of breathing into a challenge.

The noxious fallout wasn't confined to Ludhiana alone.

Neighboring cities also bore the brunt of the pollution. Khanna recorded an AQI of 296, Mandi Gobindgarh suffered with 352, and Amritsar saw its air quality drop to 359 – all firmly in the 'poor' to 'very poor' categories. Even the state capital, Chandigarh, reported a concerning AQI of 258, highlighting a broader regional crisis exacerbated by the widespread bursting of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations.

This isn't an isolated incident.

A quick glance at historical data reveals a disturbing pattern. In 2022, post-Diwali AQI in Ludhiana stood at 280, 326 in 2021, and 290 in 2020. While the exact numbers fluctuate, the consistent trend of compromised air quality immediately after the festival underscores a persistent environmental challenge that demands urgent attention and long-term solutions.

For the city's vulnerable populations – the elderly, young children, and individuals suffering from respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis – the current conditions pose a severe health threat.

Doctors are advising extreme caution, recommending that residents avoid morning walks, refrain from strenuous outdoor activities, and wear N95 masks when stepping out. Dr. Ajit Sachdeva, a prominent physician, emphasized the long-term dangers, stating, "Such poor air quality can lead to various respiratory issues, chronic coughs, eye irritation, and even exacerbate cardiovascular problems.

It’s imperative to take preventive measures."

The anguish of the residents is palpable. "My eyes are constantly burning, and I've developed a persistent cough," lamented Rakesh Sharma, a local shopkeeper. "It feels like we're breathing poison." Many have reported similar experiences, complaining of breathlessness, burning sensations in the eyes, and a general feeling of malaise.

The lack of strong winds and the prevailing calm atmospheric conditions have further compounded the problem, trapping pollutants close to the ground and intensifying the smog.

As Ludhiana grapples with this annual environmental crisis, the call for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures and a collective shift towards eco-friendlier celebrations grows louder.

The lingering haze serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between festivity and environmental responsibility, urging communities to seek sustainable ways to celebrate without compromising the very air they breathe.