1 week Ago By Shariq Majeed
Ludhiana: Residents endured suffocating air quality on Tuesday night as pollution levels spiked, blanketing the city in thick smoke. With air quality in the “poor” category for four days straight, citizens reported stinging eyes and breathing difficulties, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) forecasts little relief until rain clears the stagnant pollutants. Educationist Narinder Singh Masson, who lives in Shaheed Karnail Singh Nagar, described the conditions as unbearable for his family.
“A layer of smoke filled our rooms last night,” he said, “We had to turn on exhaust fans and air conditioners to clear the air.” Masson expressed concern for the city’s vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with health conditions. “It’s not only inhuman but sheer insensitivity towards life,” he said, “Year-round pollution from vehicles and industries is worsened by farm fires and garbage burning.
” Sameer Verma, a yarn trader from South City, echoed these concerns, describing the sight of thick smoke around his home. “My eyes watered even indoors, and breathing was difficult,” he said. Calling for collective action, he says the situation affects all sections of society, from farmers and traders to industrial workers.
Rupinder Kaur, a resident of Dugri, shared a similar experience, saying her family’s usual evening walk was cut short on Tuesday due to the pervasive smoke. “We had to turn back within minutes,” she said, citing the heavy pollution as a deterrent to any outdoor activity. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted the worsening conditions.
Starting Tuesday at 4 pm, the air quality index (AQI) in Ludhiana rose from 209 to 241 by 1 am. The AQI remained elevated at 241 until it dropped to 228 at 5 am and 204 by 11 am. However, pollution levels surged again in the afternoon, reaching 219 by 1 pm.
On Wednesday, the CPCB recorded Ludhiana’s AQI at 216, placing it in the “poor” category, with prolonged exposure likely to cause breathing discomfort for most residents. Among Punjab’s major cities, Ludhiana had the fifth-highest AQI; Mandi Gobindgarh topped the list at 322, followed by Amritsar at 310, while Bathinda had the lowest AQI at 145. Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) claimed that Ludhiana’s AQI had remained above 201, classified as “poor,” since Nov 10.
Without rain to disperse or wash away pollutants, the PPCB officials expect air quality to stay at distressing levels in the days to come. We also published the following articles recently Delhi continues to battle with air pollution as AQI remains in 'very poor' category Delhi faced its ninth consecutive day of severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 'very poor' levels. Residents reported breathing difficulties and other health issues, while hospitals saw a surge in respiratory patients.
The smog, lingering since Diwali, has raised concerns and calls for action to combat the capital's persistent pollution problem. Delhi chokes: Residents continue to battle with air pollution as AQI remains in 'very poor' category Delhi's air quality persisted in the 'very poor' category, with some areas experiencing heavy smog. The AQI in various locations ranged from 'poor' to 'very poor,' impacting residents' health.
Doctors reported a surge in respiratory illnesses and advised school closures due to the hazardous air quality, primarily attributed to stubble burning in neighboring states. Delhi air pollution: City's AQI still in 'very poor' zone; residents demand long-term solution Delhi residents are demanding action from authorities as the city experiences 'very poor' air quality for two weeks after Diwali. Cyclists and residents alike are expressing health concerns due to the smog, blaming stubble burning and lack of government action.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels in various areas, with some even hitting the 'severe' category..
