Mandi Gobindgarh, Nov 9: A sharp surge in firecracker emissions coupled with ongoing seasonal factors has plunged air quality across Punjab into alarming territory following Diwali festivities.
The atmospheric situation deteriorated significantly late into the evening as fireworks persisted past midnight across multiple urban centers. Despite designated time limits set by state authorities, enforcement remained minimal, allowing heavy smoke to accumulate over residential belts and main transit routes. Local inhabitants noted an intense smell of burnt sulfur alongside reduced visibility through the night.
The seasonal pollution spike comes alongside widespread paddy stubble burning across rural belts, further compounding the ambient load of vehicular emissions and dust.
Mandi Gobindgarh reported the state’s most acute readings. Data based on Central Pollution Control Board monitoring showed the steel hub reaching an Air Quality Index of 445 on Sunday, placing it in the ‘severe’ bracket. The industrial center had previously registered an AQI of 319 on November 6, maintaining its status as one of the most impacted locations in the region. Regional hubs including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Amritsar similarly recorded notable declines in ambient air standards.
