A severe pollution crisis has gripped Punjab and Haryana following Diwali celebrations, as a deadly combination of firecracker emissions, paddy stubble burning, and unfavourable weather conditions pushed air quality to alarming levels across dozens of cities on 8–9 November 2026. A thick blanket of smog has engulfed residential neighbourhoods in both states, raising urgent concerns over public health.

AQI Readings Across Both States

In Punjab, Mandi Gobindgarh emerged as one of the worst-affected cities, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 445 on 8 November — firmly in the 'Severe' category. By 9 November, its AQI had eased marginally to 399, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Other major Punjab cities showed sustained deterioration: Ludhiana recorded 313, Jalandhar 298, Amritsar 234, and Patiala 210 — all in the 'Very Poor' or higher range.

The situation in Haryana was equally grim. Bahadurgarh reported an AQI of 389, followed by Rohtak at 379, Bhiwani at 377, Charkhi Dadri and Sirsa at 363 each, and Gurugram at 316 — all indicating 'Very Poor' air quality across large swathes of the state.

Stubble Burning Surges Alongside Firecracker Fallout

Despite restrictions on firecrackers, celebrations reportedly continued beyond permitted hours in several areas, releasing smoke and harmful particulate matter into an already stressed atmosphere. The post-Diwali pollution episode has been compounded by the ongoing paddy stubble-burning season across Punjab. According to reported figures, 1,152 new farm fire incidents were recorded on 8 November alone, taking the seasonal total to 4,459 incidents. The smoke from agricultural fields has mixed with vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and construction dust to further worsen conditions.

Health Warnings for Vulnerable Groups

Air pollution experts and health professionals have expressed particular concern for children, senior citizens, and those suffering from asthma, heart conditions, and other respiratory ailments. Prolonged exposure to such levels of polluted air can cause coughing, breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and eye allergies, according to medical advisories. At higher pollution levels, even otherwise healthy individuals may experience respiratory discomfort. Residents have been advised to minimise outdoor activities, avoid morning walks in heavily polluted areas, and wear well-fitted N95 masks when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.

What Experts and Authorities Are Saying

Air pollution experts have underscored the need for stronger enforcement of firecracker restrictions, more effective management of agricultural residue, and stricter monitoring of industrial and vehicular emissions. This comes amid concerns that authorities have struggled to curb stubble burning year after year despite court directives and government schemes offering compensation to farmers for in-situ crop residue management. Notably, the annual recurrence of this crisis — peaking between October and November — reflects a systemic gap between policy intent and ground-level compliance.

What Lies Ahead

With winter conditions setting in, experts warn that low wind speeds and falling temperatures could trap pollutants closer to the ground, prolonging the current smog episode well beyond the immediate post-Diwali period. The situation across Punjab and Haryana is likely to remain critical until a significant wind event disperses the accumulated particulate matter.