Diwali, the festival of lights, at the onset of winter is a point of concern for Bhubaneswar. SwitchON Foundation has taken the initiative to study the air quality and pollution in the capital of Odisha relying on PM2.5, and PM10– the major air pollutants during this time due to the excessive bursting of crackers. Datasets have been obtained from the online monitoring stations of Lingaraj Mandir and Patia of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for Bhubaneshwar and Hakimapada Angul – OSPCB monitoring stations at Angul respectively during post-Durga Puja Festivities between 29th October 2023 to 8th November.
The average daily Air Quality Index (AQI), PM2.5, and PM10 levels in Bhubaneswar have consistently remained within the Moderate range, except for a brief period of approximately 4 days when they temporarily exceeded this threshold due to overcast weather and some precipitation. The highest recorded daily mean AQI was observed on October 31st, reaching a value of 183, with average PM2.5 and PM10 levels measuring 84.97 µg/m³ and 136.81 µg/m³, respectively. These values significantly exceeded the permissible limits of 50 µg/m³ for PM2.5 and 100 µg/m³ for PM10. It is evident that the arrival of winter, along with the resumption of normal city activities and the use of firecrackers, may be contributing to this increase in air pollution. On the morning of October 8th at 8 a.m., the recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) value was already in the moderate range, reaching 171, making it the second-highest value during the study period. Additionally, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 stood at 81.37 µg/m³ and 139.62 µg/m³, respectively.
The predicament and Diwali effect:
- According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2023 has been identified as an El Niño year, which increases the likelihood of experiencing climatic anomalies and extreme weather conditions throughout the year.
- During the winter season, there is a projected significant drop in temperature, along with low wind speeds that may hinder the dispersion of pollutants originating from their sources.
- Accuweather‘s weather forecasts indicate that winter temperatures in the city are expected to plummet well below the average, with higher regions experiencing temperatures as low as 28°C and lower regions as cold as 15°C, and these conditions are anticipated to persist until January 2024.
- Given these conditions, it is imperative to remain vigilant and take measures to reduce point source emissions within the city to prevent the Air Quality Index (AQI) from deteriorating into the Poor category.
Air Pollution in other cities of Odisha
- The air pollution risks in other cities within the state are relatively consistent. Just two days ago, on November 6th, Angul experienced a Poor Air Quality Index (AQI) of 273.
- The data for Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. in cities such as Talcher, Baripada, Angul, and Cuttack has raised concerns, with AQI readings of 307, 196, 190, and 183, respectively.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
With the forthcoming Diwali celebrations and the potential air quality hazards posed by fireworks, it is crucial to address this issue by rigorously enforcing the Supreme Court’s guidelines concerning the use of eco-friendly “Green Crackers.” As responsible citizens, it is the duty of every resident of Bhubaneshwar, as well as every citizen in the state, to actively reduce and, if possible, refrain from igniting fireworks, burning paper, or engaging in similar practices during Diwali festivities.
Furthermore, in an order dated November 7, 2023, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed its earlier directives, emphasizing that these guidelines are applicable nationwide, binding all states and not restricted to the Delhi-National Capital Region alone. The key points from the original order, issued on October 23, 2018, under the leadership of Justice A. K. Sikri, include:
- The original order banned the sale and use of conventional firecrackers throughout the country, allowing only the use of “Green Crackers” designed to minimize emissions and noise levels.
- The order specified a limited time frame for the bursting of crackers on Diwali and other festivals, from 8 pm to 10 pm.
- It directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to oversee the production and sale of green crackers and ensure adherence to established norms.
- The order also instructed the police to ensure that only licensed merchants sell green crackers and that e-commerce platforms do not offer firecrackers for sale online.
- According to a report by India Today, individuals who are found bursting or selling crackers except green crackers on Diwali this year may face penalties, which include fines ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 5,000 and/or imprisonment for a duration of up to three years.
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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