Cities across Punjab choke as AQI plummets to ‘severe’ category post Diwali

October 21, 2025

In Punjab, smoke from Diwali firecrackers choked many cities after 8 p.m. on Monday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) saw a sharp spike in just four hours, reaching the “severe” category in several districts.

Diwali will be celebrated in many parts of Punjab today. Firecrackers will also be burst today as Sikh community will be celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas today. Consequently, a significant spike in pollution levels is expected today.

According to state environmental monitoring centers, the average AQI was recorded at 114 at 8 p.m. As firecrackers began to burst, it rose to 153 at 9 p.m. and 309 by 10 p.m. By 11 p.m., it reached 325, and by midnight, it reached 500 in many places, which is in the hazardous category.

Major cities most affected

The Pollution Control Board monitors air quality at only eight locations in the state. Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, and Jalandhar were the worst affected. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in these cities were four to five times higher than normal. A thick layer of smoke hung over the sky overnight, causing eye irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Fireworks continued throughout night despite time limit

Environmental experts stated that even limited fireworks display times increase the amount of fine dust particles in the air, which is extremely harmful to health. The government had set a time limit for fireworks from 8 pm to 10 pm. However, fireworks continued throughout the night.

Currently, the situation has become so dire that children, the elderly, and asthmatics should stay indoors. People are advised to avoid morning walks or exercise.

Situations will remain serious for the next two days.

Weather experts have stated that if winds do not improve, this pollution layer could persist for the next two days. Along with the increased pollution, incidents of stubble burning have also worsened the situation.