Diwali pollution: Patiala Health Department advises people to stay indoors

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 5

The district health department on Friday advised people to stay indoors after air quality worsened owing to the Diwali celebrations. The health department has advised to avoid outdoor activities until the air quality index improves. The air quality Index (AQI) in Patiala was in a very poor category on Friday evening. Patiala’s AQI was above 300, which is very poor as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Dr Sumeet Singh, nodal officer, National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health, said asthmatic and COPD patients should carry their inhalers with them. He added that patients suffering from breathing disorders should take extra precautions.

He said, “Air quality Index is poor. Besides, PM-10 is also very high, therefore, people should stay indoors. Avoid outdoor activities until air quality improves.”

Meanwhile, people have already started complaining of burning eyes and difficulty in breathing. Some people have also been complaining of sore throats due to poor air quality.