Ludhiana, Nov. 12 -- The district's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to 206 on Wednesday from 314 a day earlier, bringing Ludhiana's air quality back into the 'poor' category after it had slipped into the 'very poor' zone on Tuesday. However, pollution levels remained high, with PM2.5 continuing to be the dominant pollutant.

The AQI peaked at 281 around midnight before declining through the day to reach its lowest reading of 206 at 3 pm. Despite the improvement, pollution levels remained elevated, with PM2.5 continuing to be the predominant pollutant.

The air quality in the district has been affected by a spurt in stubble-burning incidents across Punjab, while emissions from firecrackers during Diwali celebrations added to the pollution ...