Jalandhar, November 9: Residents of Jalandhar burst firecrackers worth over ₹30 crore during Diwali celebrations, causing air quality to deteriorate drastically. The city woke up to a heavy, toxic blanket of smog that reduced visibility across several commercial and residential hubs.
According to official pollution monitoring data, Jalandhar's Air Quality Index (AQI) surged from 239 on Diwali afternoon to 328 the next day. This sharp increase placed the district in the "very poor" air quality category, marking one of the highest pollution spikes this season.The two-hour window ordered by authorities for bursting green crackers was widely breached across the city.
High-intensity fireworks and aerial rockets continued until early morning hours in areas including Model Town, Rama Mandi, and the Cantonment belt.Local merchants noted that celebrations were amplified by the adjoining festival of Vishwakarma Day, which sustained high firecracker sales across commercial units.
High concentrations of fine particulate matter ($\text{PM}_{2.5}$) dominated the ambient air, posing severe respiratory hazards to vulnerable groups.Local clinics and emergency wards reported an immediate rise in patients presenting with burning eyes, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties. Health experts have advised elderly residents and children to minimize early morning exposure until wind speeds increase to disperse the lingering toxic haze.
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