Punjab Air Quality Improves by 7.6% from 2022 and 22.8% from 2021

Punjab has observed an Average Air Quality Index (AQI) reduction of 7.6% from the last year 2022 and 22.8% as compared to 2021.

The AQI of five cities Amritsar, Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh & Patiala of Punjab have observed a reduction in the AQI during this year Diwali (2023) as compared to the last two year’s Diwali days 2022 and 2021.

The Average AQI of Punjab this Diwali was 207 (which is marginally higher than the maximum AQI value of 200 for the moderate category) as compared to 224 in 2022 and 268 in 2021.

The maximum AQI was recorded at Amritsar this year with an AQI value of 235. Also last year maximum value of AQI 262 was observed in Amritsar. However, in 2021 maximum value of AQI 327 (Very Poor) was observed in Jalandhar. The minimum AQI for this year was recorded in Mandi Gobindgarh with an AQI value of 153 against last year’s value of 188 and also in 2021 with an AQI value of 220. The maximum AQI reduction in this year was observed in Mandi Gobindgarh (18.6% ).

The Punjab Pollution Control Board thanks the people of the State of Punjab for following the advisory issued concerning the period fixed for bursting of firecrackers and using the green crackers for celebrations of the Diwali festival, resulting in an overall improvement in Air Quality as compared to last year 2022 and 2021 also.

The people of Punjab are also requested to follow the advisory issued by the state government regarding the timings and use of green crackers for the coming festivals this year.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has installed Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in six cities of Punjab namely Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh and Patiala to monitor the ambient air quality on a real-time basis.

The AQI is a measure of the quality of air based on five criteria pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3).

The AQI is divided into six categories: good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous.

The PPCB has advised the people of Punjab to follow the following measures to reduce air pollution:

• Use public transportation or carpool whenever possible.
• Walk or cycle for short distances.
• Avoid using firecrackers during festivals.
• Use energy-efficient appliances.
• Plant trees.

The improvement in air quality in Punjab is a welcome development. The PPCB is committed to continuing to work with the people of Punjab to improve air quality in the state.