Post-Diwali, city’s Air Quality Index reaches 331

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 331 in the past 24 hours, following Diwali night. Though crackers were allowed to be burst for just two hours, the activity still contributed to a spike in pollution levels. However, this year’s post-Diwali AQI reading is comparatively lower than that recorded in 2023 and higher than 2024.

According to the detailed data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the AQI in Ludhiana this year stands at 331 while Khanna recorded 133. In comparison, the AQI in 2023 was 365 in Ludhiana and 231 in Khanna and in 2024, it was 327 in Ludhiana and 323 in Khanna. This year, while Ludhiana’s AQI shows a marginal increase, Khanna’s air quality has improved significantly.

PPCB Executive Engineer (XEN) Amritpal Singh said only three cases of farm fires had been reported so far in this part of the region.

He said between September 15 and October 21, the district had witnessed 37 cases in 2023 and 27 in 2024, while in 2025, only three cases had been reported till date from the district.

Experts from the PPCB explained that AQI figures are calculated as an average and readings can vary every 15 to 20 minutes.

“Though crackers were burst for just about two to three hours on Monday night, it still added to the pollution levels. Since I am allergic to pollution caused by farm fires and crackers, it was difficult for me to breathe and even keep my eyes open on Monday night,” said Anjana, a college student.

Ludhiana