Diwali's Toxic Legacy: Punjab & Haryana's AQI Plunges into 'Very Poor' Danger Zone
Punjab and Haryana face severe post-Diwali smog, with pollution levels rivaling Delhi’s worst.
Air quality in parts of Punjab and Haryana persists in the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories following extended Diwali celebrations, posing health risks amid lingering firecracker emissions and residual stubble burning. As of 10 a.m. on October 23, 2025, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reveals Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab at 274—firmly in the 'poor' range—while Haryana's Dharuhera in Rewari district tops the charts at a hazardous 338, classified as 'very poor'. Other affected areas include Jind at 305 and Rohtak at 302, both 'very poor', highlighting the industrial and urban pollution hotspots in the region.
Punjab's statewide average AQI stands at 206, showing a slight improvement from last year's post-Diwali 255 but still reflecting the impact of festive activities. Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) analysis indicates pre-Diwali AQI at 117 on October 19, escalating to 151 on October 20 and 231 on October 21—lower than previous years' peaks. In comparison, Delhi's AQI has fluctuated between 296 and 351 over the past three days, with some stations breaching 400 during the festival. Chandigarh, the joint capital, records a moderate 129, offering a brief respite in the otherwise smog-choked NCR.
Despite the concerning spikes, stubble burning—a perennial pollution culprit—has seen dramatic reductions, with only 107 incidents in the last two days and a seasonal total of 484 from September 15 to October 22, down four-fold from 1,510 in 2024 and 1,764 in 2023. This success is attributed to coordinated efforts by the Punjab Police and civil administration, led by Director General Gaurav Yadav and Special DGP Arpit Shukla, including 1,041 joint tours, over 2,381 awareness meetings, and the formation of Parali Protection Forces at police stations.
Authorities emphasize that firecrackers remain the primary driver this season, urging mask-wearing, limited outdoor exposure, and adherence to Supreme Court guidelines. With AQI thresholds marking 201-300 as 'poor' and 301-400 as 'very poor', sustained interventions are crucial to avert a full-blown crisis as winter approaches.
