After Diwali, many cities across the country witnessed a surge in air pollution, leading to an increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI). The air quality in Kolkata also deteriorated. An official from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) reported that at 9 am, the air monitoring station in Jadavpur recorded an AQI of 200 (PM 2.5), while in Ballygunge it was 141 (PM 2.5).
AQI levels saw an increase at these locations:
AQI at Rabindra Bharati University in the Sinthee area was 142, while in the nearby satellite township New Town, it was recorded at 165. According to the official, at 9 am, Fort William had an AQI of 150, whereas the nearby green zone, Victoria, recorded an AQI level of 242. Similarly, at Rabindra Sarobar's air monitoring station, AQI of 128 was noted at 9 am.
Moreover, on Tuesday, Jadavpur had an AQI of 207, while Ballygunge stood at 213, significantly higher than midnight levels of 159 and 134 respectively observed on Monday. The industrial city of Ghushuri in Howrah recorded an AQI of 179. Note that AQI levels between 151 and 200 are deemed 'unhealthy,' 201 to 300 'very unhealthy,' and above 300 'hazardous.'
Is Fireworks Solely to Blame for the Pollution?
Environmentalists claimed that fine particulate matter remained in the air following the bursting of firecrackers on Monday and Tuesday nights. An official stated that the AQI deterioration isn't directly linked to firecrackers, as fewer were burst compared to the previous year, and predominantly, green-certified by NEERI ones were used.
The official explained the need to establish a correlation between noise and air pollution, as noise-producing crackers do not necessarily cause air pollution. While firecracker usage may have contributed to higher AQI, attributing it entirely to firecrackers wouldn't be fair. This year, most fireworks sold and used during Kali Puja and Diwali were NEERI-certified.
The WBPCB official indicated that weather conditions might also contribute to worsening AQI, as pollutants linger in warm and humid conditions without rain or southern winds. We are currently analyzing the outcomes.
Allegations of Firecracker Usage Beyond Allowed Time
Environmentalist Somendra Mohan Ghosh alleged that loud firecrackers were unlawfully used in Kolkata and Howrah until midnight on Monday and Tuesday, violating PCB’s 8 pm to 10 pm regulation. He noted pollutants remained in the air until Wednesday afternoon post-festival celebrations, frightening infants and pets with loud noises. High-decibel firecrackers were used across the city.
Naba Dutta from the environmental organization Sabuj Mancha accused the police and pollution control board of failing to enforce regulations, subjecting the elderly, ill, children, and pets to noise and air pollution. They mentioned that their monitoring team detected firecracker usage around silent zones like RG Hospital during Kali Puja and Diwali nights.
