CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 — Punjab’s air quality remained in the moderate category on Sunday, offering relief to residents even as pollution levels in Delhi climbed close to the severe range, official data showed.
The overall Air Quality Index in Punjab was recorded at 108, according to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board. Bathinda emerged as the least polluted city with an AQI of 78.
In contrast, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply, with the AQI touching 391, placing it close to the severe category and raising health concerns for residents of the national capital.
Data showed that air quality across Punjab’s major towns stayed within the moderate range, with AQI readings of 116 in Patiala, 131 in Ludhiana, 126 in Amritsar, 95 in Khanna and 162 in Jalandhar.
Experts said weather conditions are likely to aid further improvement. “Air quality will improve with the influence of western disturbances when they bring rainfall to Punjab,” an expert said, adding that loss of forest cover also contributes to rising pollution levels as green cover helps absorb pollutants.
Officials said Punjab’s pollution profile differs from Delhi’s due to lower emission density and improved farm practices in recent years.
