Drastic rise in pollution

Pollution levels in the city touched alarming levels on Diwali. The respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPS) count touched as high as 990 mg per cubic metre. HT reports.

Pollution levels in the city touched alarming levels on Diwali. The respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPS) count touched as high as 990 mg per cubic metre.

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The data on pollution levels was collected from Sohna Road, Behrampur Road, Daulatabad Road and Vikas Sadan.

This year, the RSPS count was registered between a minimum of 445 to a maximum of 990 compared to the last year’s figure of 408. Any count above 100 is considered dangerous for health.

“The pollution level also rose due to the week-long heavy smog in the atmosphere. That coupled with pollution from fire crackers worsened things,” said Rajesh Garia, laboratory in-charge, District Pollution Control Board.

The estimated sale of crackers in the city this Diwali touched Rs. 20 crore.

Figures from the district pollution department show that the average sulphur dioxide content in the air on Diwali was 62.52 mg per cubic metre as against last year’s 27 mg per cubic metre.