Ludhiana, Oct. 21 -- The air quality in Ludhiana worsened sharply a day after Diwali celebrations, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching the 'poor' category on Tuesday morning. According to the data recorded at 11 am by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the city's AQI level stood at 285, compared to 150 on Monday, which was in the 'moderate' range.

Officials said the sharp rise in pollution levels was mainly due to heavy bursting of firecrackers during Diwali night, combined with stagnant weather conditions and low wind speed that prevented the dispersal of pollutants. The smoke from crackers, mixed with vehicular and industrial emissions, led to a visible layer of smog across the city on Tuesday morning.

Residents complain...