Ludhiana, Nov. 9 -- The air quality in Ludhiana deteriorated after Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 296 (poor category) on Monday, compared to 216 on the corresponding day last week. Adding to the pollution burden are rising stubble-burning incidents, with the district recording 193 farm fires as of November 8, according to Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data.

Among other major cities, Jalandhar recorded an AQI of 332, falling in the very poor category, while Amritsar registered 266 and Patiala 220, both in the poor category. According to the National Air Quality Data Management System of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is classified as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 a...