Patiala Among World’s Most Polluted Cities as AQI Reaches 499

Patiala has entered the ranks of the world’s most polluted urban centers, with the Air Quality Index hitting an alarming 499 on Monday morning at 7:21 a.m. The reading places the city squarely in the hazardous bracket.

The monitoring portal indicated a PM2.5 concentration of 323 µg/m³ and a PM10 concentration of 402 µg/m³. Such extreme particle levels can trigger acute respiratory problems and strain cardiovascular health.

The morning weather was mild – 19 °C – but wind speed was only 8.6 km/h, allowing smoke and a dense haze to remain over the cityscape. Patiala now holds the 21st position on the international list of cities with the worst air quality.

Fireworks used during Diwali are blamed for a large share of the pollution, releasing a cocktail of soot, chemicals, and metallic particles. Health experts emphasize that fine particles (PM2.5) can infiltrate deep lung passages, causing breathing difficulty, chronic cough, and heightened vulnerability for the elderly and those with pre‑existing conditions.

In parallel, authorities reported 77 FIRs related to illegal stubble burning, 33 revenue records marked as red entries, and 185 formal warning notices issued to offenders. While firecracker emissions are a key factor, officials note that other pollution sources and stagnant atmospheric conditions must also be investigated to fully understand the surge.