Bhubaneswar air quality turns ‘poor’ after Diwali

Bhubaneswar: Air quality in Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar deteriorated to ‘poor’ category after Diwali celebrations, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 206, while coal town Talcher recorded an AQI of 281, officials said on Monday.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as good, 51 and 100 as satisfactory, 101 and 200 as moderate, 201 and 300 as poor, and 301 and 400 as very poor, and 401 and 500 as severe. The sharp rise in pollution levels in some cities, including Bhubaneswar, Kataka and Anugola, was largely attributed to the use of firecrackers.

At 11.30 am on Monday, Bhubaneswar recorded an AQI of 206, placing it in the ‘poor’ category, while Kataka registered 192, falling in the ‘moderate’ category. Among other cities, the AQI stood at 186 in Anugola, 258 in Bileipada, 178 in Rourkela, and 281 in Talcher, said Niranjan Mallick, chief environmental scientist at the Odisha State Pollution Control Board. The deteriorating air quality was a matter of concern, particularly for children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory ailments, he said.

The Odisha government had permitted the use of green or environment-friendly firecrackers between 7 pm and 9 pm on Diwali. However, some people continued bursting crackers in Bhubaneswar and Kataka late into the night, raising concerns over pollution levels, officials said.

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The Hans India