Not so Swachh Diwali, high air, noise pollution in Delhi

Air and noise pollution increased in the national capital this Diwali compared to last year, central and state pollution control boards data showed Friday.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitored the ambient air quality at eight locations in the city.

Similarly, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) monitored the ambient air quality at eight places.

The level of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) which causes smog varied from 39 Aug/m3 to 194 Aug/m3. Last year, the highest level was recorded at 110 per cubic metre (mg/m3).

The very small suspended particulate matter (PM2.5) saw an increase. According to DPCC, the average concentration (for 24 hrs) for PM2.5 ranged from 145 Aug/m3 to 500 Aug/m3.

PM2.5 causes respiratory problems.

However, PM10, a harmful particulate matter bigger in size, was found to be lower than the previous year. Also, the concentration of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), a toxic gas with pungent smell, was lower than last year.

DPCC added that since the last one week, PM2.5 and PM10 have shown higher values than prescribed standards.

"However, this concentration is in tandem with values observed pre-Diwali in the previous years. No significant changes were observed," said a statement from DPCC.

The noise pollutant level measured at 11 locations was higher due to bursting of crackers.

"People are so insensitive, not only they burst a lot of crackers, they were doing it right on the road outside the houses. My apartment was full of smoke and even though I don't have any breathing problems, I woke up with a sore throat, and was unable to eat. The high noise level combined with smoke spoiled Diwali for me," Anamika Chatterjee, an IT professional who lives in south Delhi, told IANS.

The CPCB data from across different parts of Delhi found the noise level in the range of 71 to 83 decibels. This was higher compared to the value of 2013.

"With the sound of the crackers, I woke up with a headache and could not have a sound sleep," said Kamran Ahmad, a resident of Civil Lines in north Delhi.