Ludhiana air pollution levels breach safe limits, claims data

Time of India

05-05-2025

Ludhiana: As Ludhiana earns the dubious distinction of being among the most polluted cities in the world, air quality data from the only Continuous Ambient
Air Quality Monitoring
(CAAQM) station currently operating in the city reveals a consistent breach of safe pollution thresholds—particularly for PM10, a coarse particulate matter linked to serious respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.
According to official records, Ludhiana exceeded the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for PM10 on 15 days each in February and March. For PM2.5, exceedances occurred on seven days in February and 12 days in March.
A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) indicates that the air in Ludhiana was very polluted in February and March. "In Ludhiana, PM2.5 levels—tiny harmful particles from dust, smoke, and pollution that can enter the lungs and bloodstream—were 53 and 52 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). That's above the national safe limit of 40 µg/m³, set to protect people from serious health risks like asthma, lung disease, and heart problems, it stated."
The analysis further states, "PM10 levels—larger particles that can still cause respiratory issues—were also high, averaging 100 µg/m³ in February and 103 µg/m³ in March, nearly twice the standard limit of 60 µg/m³. These figures underscore the severity and persistence of Ludhiana's air pollution crisis. In contrast, Amritsar exhibited much cleaner air. In February, PM2.5 levels remained within safe limits on all days, and only 10 days showed PM10 exceedances. By March, both PM2.5 and PM10 levels surpassed safe thresholds on just one day each—suggesting significant improvement and a possible model for intervention."
Experts indicate that despite these insights, both cities operate with only a single CAAQM station, making it difficult to capture real-time, localised variations in pollution—especially in densely populated or industrial zones. They are urging state and municipal authorities to urgently invest in expanding the air quality monitoring network to inform effective public health interventions.
"This data provides a valuable window into Punjab's urban air quality challenges," said Manoj Kumar, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). "Ludhiana's persistent exceedances point to urgent intervention needs."
Gurpreet Kaur of Clean Air Punjab says the problem could not be solved if not measured. Civil society groups, research institutions, and community-based organisations are calling for an integrated clean air strategy—one that is rooted in data, health equity, and public accountability.