City AQI dips from 339 to 108
From air quality index (AQI) of 339 on Saturday following bursting of crackers for two days, the AQI in Ludhiana came down to 108 on Sunday. From ‘poor’ air quality, it improved to ‘moderate’ on Sunday. Crackers were one of the reasons for the sudden raised pollution levels in the industrial city as residents burnt crackers worth about Rs 15 crore during the Diwali celebrations.
At the same time, closed factories were also one of the major reasons for the sudden decline in the AQI. The industrial units remained shut for four consecutive days due to Diwali, Vishwakarma Day and Govardhan Puja and now, these will be opened on Monday.
One of the factory owners in the city said many factories emitted smoke and that also added to the environment degradation. “Crackers were burnt in big quantities, hence, pollution levels rose but the celebrations were stopped on Saturday and then there were four holidays in all factories and units, due to which the AQI witnessed a considerable low on Sunday. Last year, the AQI on November 3 in Ludhiana was recorded at 174 as compared to 108 today.
Residents hope in coming days, there will be rain and dust particles would be settled.
“Though we love the festival of lights the most, these days are too bad for people’s health due to the presence of smog due to farm fires and bursting of crackers. I feel suffocated and prefer to remain in the four walls after Diwali. It takes several days to clear the environment," said Khushi, an asthma patient.
