Chandigarh, October 20: As the city begins to enjoy the festive chill, pollution levels have started creeping up again. While the mercury has dipped to 17°C at night, bringing much-needed coolness, the daytime temperature continues to hover around 34°C.
According to the Meteorological Department, similar weather is expected over the next few days. However, the city’s air quality has slipped from a “good” category to “moderate,” with the AQI rising to 135. At the Sector 22 Observatory, PM2.5 levels were recorded at 213 around 8 am on Saturday.
Officials warn that colder nights will trap pollutants closer to the ground, worsening morning and evening air quality. Last year, Chandigarh ranked among the top three most polluted cities in India during this period. Experts say pollution from industrial belts like Baddi drifts into the city in the afternoon, and as temperatures drop in the evening, heavy particles settle closer to the surface, keeping pollution high until midday.
