There is often a possibility of increasing air pollution levels on Deepawali but this year the pollution has jumped up just a week before Deepawali. By October 31, the pollution level was 150 to 160 micrograms per cubic meter which has reached 400 micrograms per cubic meter in the first week of November itself and is likely to increase even more on Deepawali. Meanwhile, officials of the pollution control department and the environmental lovers are worried due to this increased level.
The pollution had improved during the Corona lockdown in March and the environment reached an ideal state. Pollution levels went down between 90 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter during the three-month lockdown.
Note that the PM10 level in ideal condition is 100 micrograms per cubic meter.
Environmental pollution in July was found around 128 micrograms per cubic meter, average in August as 132 micrograms per cubic meter, September noted as 140 micrograms per cubic meter, level in October was 150 to 155 micrograms per cubic meter and in November as 400 micrograms per cubic meter.
Apart from this, noise pollution in Gyan Sarovar was noted as 57 dB but the standard is 55 dB, Centre point noted as 78 dB with standard as 65 dB, ITI Road Industrial State 74 dB & standard is 75 dB, Deendayal Hospital Silent Zone is 56 dB and standard is 50 dB
Also note that burning of husk added 22% overall pollution while industrial pollution contributed 11%, vehicle 41% and cleaning added up 12%
Pollution level on Deepawali last year was noted down as PM 10-227 micrograms per cubic meter a week before Deepawali on 21st October 2019 and on the day of Deepawali (28 October 2019), it reached PM 10-262 micro Grams per cubic meter
Ram Gopal, Regional Pollution Control Officer said that the environmental pollution level has reached 400 micrograms per cubic meter before Deepawali this year. It is likely to increase further in Diwali. However, this time people are aware, and many campaigns are going to minimize the use of firecrackers which are the main source of air and noise pollution. Despite this, pollution at the festival is certain to increase.