Air quality dips to ‘poor’ in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, November 1

Ahead of Diwali, a layer of smog engulfed the city today as the air quality dipped to poor category.

The air quality index was recorded 262 (poor) at 6 pm at PAU. The index was poor yesterday, too, which touched 250 in the wee hours today. If the AQI is recorded between 201 and 300, it is considered poor and its possible health impacts include breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. Jalandhar recorded 220 AQI, Patiala 231 and Amritsar 245 at 6 pm today.

Gulshan Rai, a senior PPCB officer, said no specific reason could be pointed out. “The atmospheric conditions play a major role these days. There are reports of stubble burning also and bursting crackers, too, must have added to the pollution,” he said. — TNS