The day after Diwali, air high quality in Punjab reached hazardous ranges, with Mohali recording an AQI of 369, rating it among the many most polluted cities within the nation. Different cities adopted carefully, with Amritsar at 339 and Chandigarh at 311, marking a troubling rise in air pollution ranges on account of intensive fireworks celebrations on each Thursday and Friday (Oct 31-Nov 1).
Knowledge from the Punjab Air pollution Management Board (PPCB) highlighted that Amritsar’s AQI ranges have been almost on par with Delhi’s, usually seen as certainly one of India’s most polluted areas. Chandigarh recorded a mean AQI of 311 early within the morning, nearing the “extreme” AQI threshold.
By late Friday night, Amritsar’s AQI had risen to 350, prompting officers to think about imposing “Degree 3” restrictions if the air high quality fails to enhance quickly. In the meantime, Chandigarh noticed a short lived dip from 302 AQI by noon, however consultants warning that this discount is probably going short-lived.
Different Punjab cities additionally reported excessive air pollution ranges on Saturday morning: Ludhiana (266), Jalandhar (225), Khanna (220), Mandi Gobindgarh (236), and Patiala (231). Ludhiana’s PM2.5 focus was discovered to be 9.7 occasions above the World Well being Group’s really helpful 24-hour guideline, indicating extreme well being dangers.
The unwell results of such excessive air pollution ranges are extreme, notably with the elevated PM2.5 concentrations that penetrate deep into the lungs, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. Lengthy-term publicity to excessive air pollution ranges is linked to persistent respiratory circumstances like bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and even coronary heart illness, whereas kids, the aged, and people with pre-existing well being circumstances are most weak.
Public well being consultants really helpful taking precautions reminiscent of carrying masks and avoiding outside actions, particularly in high-pollution zones, to mitigate quick well being dangers.
