Even before Diwali, Punjab’s air is choking. The state government has announced strict curbs — only green firecrackers will be allowed on Monday between 8 pm and 10 pm, and violators will face action.
Authorities say the move is to prevent the state from slipping deeper into the pollution crisis. Nine hotspot cities are already under special watch, with Bathinda recording a dangerous AQI of 281, the worst in Punjab.
⚠️ Pollution Spike Before Diwali
Despite repeated warnings, air quality across Punjab has plunged.
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Bathinda: 281 (Poor)
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Mandi Gobindgarh: 171
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Ludhiana: 124
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Jalandhar: 128
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Patiala: 108
The Environment Department has directed strict surveillance, and fire departments have been put on emergency alert to handle any fire-related incidents.
Crackdown on Toxic Crackers
The sale and use of firecracker strings remain completely banned. Only eco-friendly, non-toxic firecrackers—free from barium salts, antimony, lithium, and arsenic—are permitted. Furnace burning has been allowed but under tight Supreme Court and NGT restrictions.
Ministers’ Green Message
Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora, Dr. Baljit Kaur, and Sanjeev Arora have appealed to citizens to choose green celebrations this Diwali.
They reminded people that Diwali stands for truth over falsehood and goodness over evil — not smoke over breath.
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