Chandigarh air quality ‘very poor’ on Diwali despite restrictions

Two-hour window for bursting of green crackers violated across sectors

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, Updated At : 06:47 AM Nov 02, 2024 IST

A road covered with smoke on Diwali in Chandigarh. Tribune Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Chandigarh’s air quality took a major hit on Diwali day with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining in the “very poor” category throughout Friday due to bursting of firecrackers and emissions from motor vehicles.

Despite regulations allowing only two hours for the bursting of green firecrackers, the city experienced a significant spike in air and noise pollution. This year, the AQI reached a peak of 395 in Sector 22, marking the highest pollution level across the monitored areas.

Although the UT Administration had permitted the use of green firecrackers only between 8 pm and 10 pm, many citizens began bursting crackers well before 8 pm and continued with it late into the night. The AQI levels in the city consistently remained in the “very poor” category, indicating that the time restrictions have not been effective in curbing pollution.

The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC), which conducts special monitoring on Diwali, reported a surge in air as well as noise pollution, with Sector 22 seeing the highest air levels.

Rise in noise pollution levels

Along with air pollution, noise pollution also saw a significant rise during the festivities. Sector 22 registered the highest noise levels and recorded 75.2 decibels between 8 pm and 9 pm and 79.4 decibels from 9 pm to 10 pm, exceeding the safe limit. In IMTECH Sector 39, noise levels reached 65.9 and 66.1 decibels during the same timeframes, while in PEC Sector 12, these were recorded at 71.2 and 74.2 decibels.

The persistent rise in both air and noise pollution levels poses health risks to residents, especially children, elderly people and those with respiratory issues. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the average air quality index (AQI) remained above 300-mark in the city today.

“PM2.5 and PM10 surged on November 1, with PM10 peaking near 1000 µg/m³ and PM2.5 at 700 µg/m³likely due to intense firework and vehicular activity,” said Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environment Health, Department of Community Medicine, PGI.