Agri dept, cops on high alert in run up to Diwali
The levels of pollution tend to spike as the festive season approaches, prompting the local administrations to remain on high alert. Keeping this in view, teams of the Agriculture Department have been actively monitoring stubble management efforts, and teams, comprising top officials, are set to oversee villages even on Diwali night to ensure compliance. Stubble burning is a significant contributor to air pollution during this period, with multiple incidents already having been reported. Most recently, a location in Giddarkhera was flagged for stubble burning on Sunday, adding to the 19 other incidents reported this season. Officials of the Agriculture Department are investigating each case and landowners found violating the rules will face legal action.
Illegal firecrackers seized
In a crackdown, a team of police and fire officials seized 355.35 kg of illegal firecrackers in Kalanwali. The fireworks, stored in a residential grocery store, posed a serious risk to the surroundings, with past incidents showing the potential hazards of such storage. The store owner, Mani, is facing charges under multiple Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegally stocking explosives in a densely populated area
Meanwhile, to control the impact of firecrackers, police teams are conducting raids to prevent any unauthorised storage. The goal is to ensure that only ‘green’ firecrackers, which cause less pollution, are used during Diwali. Despite these efforts, demand for firecrackers remains high, which could lead to a surge in sales during the festival. Last year, Diwali festivities pushed the Air Quality Index (AQI) past 300, significantly higher than the normal range of around 150. The current AQI, which stood at 135 on Sunday, remained within a moderate range due to the favourable weather conditions.
According to the Pollution Control Board, an AQI above 150 indicates pollution, with levels from 200-300 categorised as concerning, often leading to eye irritation. An AQI above 300 can cause breathing difficulties, with a haze settling over the area.
Dr Sukhdev Kamboj, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department, highlighted that teams were visiting villages to raise awareness and urge cooperation, promising special monitoring during Diwali.
Illegal firecrackers seized
In a related crackdown, police and fire officials seized 355.35 kg of illegal firecrackers in Kalanwali. The fireworks, stored in a residential grocery store, posed a serious risk to the surroundings, with past incidents showing the potential hazards of such storage. The store owner, Mani, is facing charges under multiple Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegally stocking explosives in a densely populated area.
