Pollution level increases, visibility dips in Ludhiana

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 1

A cover of smog engulfed the city today evening resulting in low visibility.

City residents said the air suddenly seemed to have become more polluted. “But it’s not surprising. The firecrackers burst generously in the past few days must have added to the pollution. It’s the season of stubble burning too. The air we breathe feels smoky and stale,” said Ritesh Kumar, an NRI.

Residents complain of respiratory problems

Meanwhile, city residents complained of respiratory problems and irritation in eyes. The doctors said in the last few days, there had been a rise in the number of patients complaining of respiratory problems.

City-based Ayurvedic expert, Dr Ravindra Vatsyayan, said difficulty in breathing and chest congestion were the most common complaints.

He said medicinal herbs like Tulsi could be helpful in many cases. A decoction of banafsha, mulethi, saunf and cardamom is an effective expectorant and soothing agent, he said. “This decoction is beneficial in cases of allergic bronchitis and allergic nose. Regular use of Tulsi leaves improves immunity. The use of haldi with milk helps in protecting us from frequent colds.” He said regular application of desi ghee in the nostrils helps in treating nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis. It is helpful in case of stuffy nose as well. It protects against the hypertrophy of nasal mucosa, he added.

Meanwhile, unmindful of the increase in pollution levels people continued bursting firecrackers in the evening. “I know pollution levels register an increase post Diwali. However, the common refrain is: ‘Air pollution cannot be reason enough to completely do away with firecrackers’. To the firecracker buffs, I would suggest that we must restraint from busting crackers. The other day, I read somewhere about the comparative analysis of pollution caused by different kinds of firecrackers. Perhaps, we can tell our children to be intelligent decision-makers. Let us equip them with facts and figures. Then let them make an informed choice of celebrating Diwali in eco-friendly ways,” said Geeta, a homemaker.