City struggles to breathe as AQI stays in poor category

Ludhiana: The air quality index (AQI) in the city has remained in the poor category for past around a week. The AQI is a measure of air quality in a geographical area.
As per the latest bulletin released by Central Pollution Control Board, Ludhiana’s AQI was 210 on Monday, which comes under poor category with possible health impacts such as breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.

Ludhiana was at number three spot among cities in Punjab. Mandi Gobindgarh had the highest AQI of 244 followed by Patiala at 224. Rupnagar had the lowest AQI value at 116.
The data since October 20 revealed that AQI in Ludhiana before Diwali on October 20 was 134 which increased to 188 on October 23 and dropped slightly to 179 next day (on Diwali). The data indicates that a day after Diwali (on October 25), the AQI had increased to 300 (which was highest during the ongoing year). The AQI had decreased to 285 before dropping to 163 on October 29. It increased to 284 the next day before being recorded at 210 on October 31.
Punjab Pollution Control board (PPCB) officials said air quality would improve if there is rain or breeze.