Dense smog clouds Ludhiana sky, triggers health concerns among residents

Dense smog has descended over Ludhiana with the onset of the stubble-burning season, leaving residents grappling with poor visibility and worsening air quality. The city’s skyline has turned hazy and pollution levels have spiked, raising concerns about the environmental and health consequences of crop residue fires.

Experts explain that stubble burning releases fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) along with toxic gases. These pollutants thicken the smog, reduce visibility and contribute to hazardous air conditions. The situation has disrupted daily life, with commuters facing difficulties on the roads and citizens expressing anxiety over the city’s deteriorating air quality.

“I have been asthmatic for years, but this season feels worse than ever,” said Rohit Sharma, a resident of Model Town. “Even short walks outside leave me breathless, and I have to keep my inhaler handy all the time.”

Another resident, Harpreet Kaur from Civil Lines, who suffers from pulmonary complications, shared her struggle: “The smog makes my chest feel heavy. I avoid stepping out in the mornings, but even indoors the air feels suffocating. It’s becoming difficult to manage daily routines.”

Medical professionals warn that prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause breathing difficulties, eye and throat irritation, asthma attacks and increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as COPD and heart disease. Children, elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of smog.

Advisory for citizens

In response to the worsening conditions, the District Health Department has issued an advisory, urging residents to take precautions. Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur emphasized that citizens should monitor the air quality index (AQI) regularly through official apps and websites. When AQI levels are ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’, outdoor physical activity should be avoided, particularly in early mornings and evenings.

Precautionary measures

Residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed during smoggy hours and ventilate homes only at midday when pollution levels ease. Citizens are urged not to burn waste materials such as leaves or garbage, and to rely on clean fuels for cooking and heating. Washing eyes frequently, gargling with lukewarm water, eating nutritious food and staying hydrated can help reduce irritation. Patients with asthma or heart disease should remain indoors and keep medicines readily available.

The advisory highlights the importance of wearing certified N95 or N99 masks as cloth or paper masks do not provide adequate protection against fine pollutants. Anyone experiencing severe coughing, chest pain or difficulty in breathing should seek immediate medical attention.

Kaur added that the Civil Surgeon’s office had intensified monitoring of pollution-related illnesses and set up emergency support services in high-risk areas. The Health Department stressed that clean air was a shared responsibility, appealing to farmers, residents and local bodies to refrain from open burning and to participate in clean-air campaigns.