Diwali celebrations: PCB installs pollution meter at 3 choke points in Indore

Ahead of Diwali celebrations, the Madhya Pradesh pollution control board (PCB) on Friday set up instruments to measure pollution in three different areas in Indore— Vijaynagar, MIG road and Kothari market.

Ahead of Diwali celebrations, the Madhya Pradesh pollution control board (PCB) on Friday set up instruments to measure pollution in three different areas in Indore— Vijaynagar, MIG road and Kothari market.

Girls buy lanterns ahead of Diwali in Indore. (Arun Mondhe / HT photo)

“We have chosen these three prime spots because they are crowded and polluted and the pollution levels are usually high there,” said PCB lab head and chief chemist Dr DK Waghela.

The PCB will be check for PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in the air along with the noise pollution levels.

“The comprehensive report of the pollution levels will come on Tuesday but till now the observation shows that the early period has shown an improvement in the air quality when compared to last year,” said Waghela.

Though no reason has been sighted for this improvement in air quality, some say the slight expensive pricing of crackers this year has worked as a deterrent.

“This year crackers are a little expensive as almost all the wholesale dealers are avoiding selling Chinese crackers and are pushing for Indian crackers. This has led to a surge in the price of crackers,” said Anand Kumar, a shopkeeper.

He also added this year too the demand for crackers is there but due to high price people are cutting off their expenses. “Till now the market looks a little dull. Maybe the sale of crackers will catch up on Diwali,” he added.