Ludhiana's air quality slips to very poor category twice in 10 days

LUDHIANA: Amid severe cold wave, Ludhiana's air quality has slipped to very poor category for the second time in the past two weeks.
According to the latest AQI bulletin released by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI value in Ludhiana on Thursday stood at 312, which comes under very poor category with possible health impacts such as "respiratory illness on prolonged exposure."

On December 18, the AQI value stood at 332. In the ongoing year, the worst AQI value was recorded on November 9 at 408.
Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) officials said high AQI in Ludhiana is mainly because of the prevailing weather. Because of low temperatures, pollutants in the air are not able to disperse, resulting in rise in air pollution.
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On December 1, the AQI value was 188 which increased to 299 on December 3, after which it fell to 159 on December 5, before rising to 262 on December 9. The AQI value fell to 88 on December 13, which was lowest in the month, and but rose to 332 on December 18.
Ludhiana was at number two spot among the cities of the state after Mandi Gobindgarh whose AQI value was reported at 316. Amritsar was third in the list with AQI value of 290. Bathinda had lowest AQI among the cities of state at 156.
Meanwhile, residents said high air pollution is a cause of concern. Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Dugri road, said whenever air pollution rises, elderly people and children become the worst sufferer. He said the authorities should take long term strategy to check pollution.