A day after Diwali, multiple regions in Haryana experienced a decline in air quality, with indices falling into the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories. Similarly, parts of Punjab predominantly reported 'poor' air quality levels.
While the average air quality in both states registered as 'satisfactory' or 'moderate' at 4 pm on Sunday, signs of deterioration became evident on Monday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) updated at 9 am highlighted areas in Faridabad and Gurugram with air quality indices surpassing 300.
In Haryana's Faridabad, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 304 in New Industrial Town, 341 in Sector 16-A, and 275 in Ballabhgarh. Gurugram reported AQI values of 351 in Sector 51 and 264 in Vikas Sadan. Kaithal's Rishi Nagar area recorded an AQI of 326, Fatehabad 285, Jind 270, Kurukshetra 263, and Panchkula 183.
Punjab's data indicated Bathinda with an AQI of 347, Amritsar 257, Jalandhar 262, Ludhiana 268, Patiala 240, and Rupnagar 132.
Despite permissions granted for the burning of "green crackers" during a limited period of Diwali, air quality significantly worsened. Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, reported an AQI of 239 in Sector 22 and 219 in Sector 53 on Monday morning.
The Air Quality Index categorizes readings between zero and 50 as 'good,' 51-100 as 'satisfactory,' 101-200 as 'moderate,' 201-300 as 'poor,' 301-400 as 'very poor,' and 401-500 as 'severe.'
Comparison with Diwali day at 4 pm showed a marked improvement in air quality. Chandigarh recorded an AQI of 140, while Faridabad reported 172, Gurugram 193, Fatehabad 187, Jind 160, Kaithal 152, Karnal 120, Kurukshetra 143, Sonipat 106, Amritsar 112, Jalandhar 138, Ludhiana 79, Patiala 88, Mandi Gobindgarh 175, and Rupnagar 128.
