Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s visit to Ludhiana faced an unexpected obstacle as thick smog and poor visibility prevented his aircraft from landing at Halwara airport on Tuesday. Dhankhar, who was scheduled to attend two high-profile events in the city, including an international conference on climate change, had to abandon his plans due to severe air quality issues.
Smog Shrouds Ludhiana as Pollution Rises
Ludhiana residents faced a day enveloped in thick smog that reduced visibility to near-zero in parts of the city. Many residents reported breathing difficulties and irritation in their eyes, likening the situation to a “gas chamber.” Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal cited foggy conditions as the reason for the Vice-President’s flight being diverted. According to the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), a combination of “smog and hazy sunshine” created hazardous conditions, exacerbated by low wind speeds that kept pollutants suspended in the air.
Political Clash Over Air Quality
The Vice-President’s missed appearance led to a political confrontation. Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu called the situation a “big shame” and “ironic,” given that Dhankhar’s attendance was planned for an event focused on climate change. Bittu criticized the state of Punjab’s air quality, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) defended its actions, with spokesperson Malvinder Kang accusing Bittu of inconsistency and making “controversial statements.”
Stubble Burning a Major Contributor to Pollution
Punjab has reported over 7,000 incidents of stubble burning since mid-September, although this is a significant reduction from the previous year. Experts at PAU attributed the smog primarily to stubble burning and firecracker emissions from Diwali. They emphasized that stagnant air conditions due to minimal wind exacerbated the pollution, preventing dispersal.
Efforts to Address Pollution Fall Short
Bittu expressed concern about the government’s response, calling for unified action with the Centre to tackle Punjab’s pollution. In response, AAP’s Kang noted that the state government has requested financial support from the Centre to address stubble burning, which remains a critical contributor to air quality issues.
