Ludhiana among most polluted in Punjab as air quality dips again

LUDHIANA: After about three weeks, Air Quality Index (AQI) of Ludhiana has fallen again. With this, air quality in the city is among the worst in Punjab. As per the latest AQI bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board, AQI in Ludhiana on Friday was 261, which falls under the “poor” category with possible health impacts such as “breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.”
Last time AQI in Ludhiana exceeded Friday’s value was on November 9, when it was recorded at 408. This falls under the severe category which can “affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases.” The AQI of 408 on November 9 was second highest after June 14, 2018, when it was recorded at 488.
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At 261 on Friday, Ludhiana was at number one spot among cities with worst AQI in the state. It was closely followed by Bathinda, with an AQI of 254. At 126, Rupnagar had the lowest AQI among cities of the state.
Punjab Pollution Control board (PPCB) officials attributed rising pollution to multiple factors like construction activity, higher vehicular traffic and weather. They explained that dissipation of air pollutants was less at low temperature.
A number of city residents complained of health issues due to poor air quality on Friday. “When I went out for a morning walk, I could feel that the air quality was bad, unlike the last few days. I had respiratory allergies because of the cold and smog and had to take medicine. I have decided to wear a mask if things remain the same,” said Ravjot Singh, a resident of BRS Nagar.