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Ludhiana Chokes: Cold Wave Traps Dangerous Pollution
20 Jan
Summary
- Ludhiana's AQI stayed in moderate category for 13 of January's first 15 days.
- Cold wave conditions have trapped pollutants, worsening air quality compared to 2025.
- Residents demand long-term solutions for industrial and vehicular emission control.
Residents of Ludhiana are contending with a dual environmental challenge as a severe cold wave has significantly worsened air pollution. From January 1st to the 15th, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) predominantly stayed in the 'moderate' category.
This 'moderate' classification, which signifies potential breathing discomfort for vulnerable groups, was recorded on 13 out of the first 15 days. This contrasts sharply with the cleaner air experienced during the same period in 2025, which saw multiple 'satisfactory' and even one 'good' air quality day.
Experts from the Punjab Pollution Control Board attribute the smoggy conditions to a lack of air dispersion, with dense, cold air trapping particulate matter near the ground. While conditions are better than the hazardous levels of 2023 and 2024, the trend is a concerning decline from the previous year.
