Mandi Gobindgarh, Nov 9: Widespread Diwali celebrations were followed by a substantial drop in air quality across Punjab, with several industrial and residential hubs recording elevated pollution markers.
Monitoring networks observed smoke accumulation continuing past the stipulated cut-off hours into early morning. Observers maintained that compliance with timed restrictions faced practical challenges on the ground, leaving atmospheric conditions vulnerable to prolonged chemical concentrations. Residents in densely populated zones reported lingering haze throughout the night.
Environmental analysts noted that the post-festival air load coincided with peak agricultural stubble clearance, creating cumulative pressure on regional air sheds alongside routine vehicular and industrial outputs.
According to Central Pollution Control Board metrics, Mandi Gobindgarh registered the highest atmospheric burden, with its Air Quality Index climbing to 445 on Sunday into the ‘severe’ zone. This followed an earlier reading of 319 recorded on November 6. Deteriorating trends were likewise documented across major municipal sectors, including Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, and Amritsar.
