Air pollution down 50% this Diwali

Diwali in the city was a greener affair as people burst fewer crackers, leading to a 50-75% decrease in air pollution from last year.

Diwali in the city was a greener affair as people burst fewer crackers, leading to a 50-75% decrease in air pollution from last year.

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However, some Delhiites made up for the muted fireworks with noisy celebrations. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded increased noise pollution at three out of nine locations, the highest being Mayur Vihar-Phase II in east Delhi.

Experts put the cleaner air down to windy weather, inflation and anti-cracker campaigns all working together. “This may be attributed to concerted and sustained anti-firecracker campaigns and active participation of the citizens in the campaigns,” said Keshav Chandra, chairperson, Delhi Pollution Control Board.

However, the air in VIP areas such as Civil Lines and RK Puram was the most polluted.

The maximum noise level in the city was 91dB(A), up from 85dB(A) last year. “Noise levels on Diwali (October 26) at some locations were higher than in 2010 (November 5) because of the bursting of noisy crackers,” said Dr D Saha, senior scientist at CPCB.