Impact of ban on crackers; Guwahati records moderate air quality

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The blanket ban on firecrackers has resulted in better air quality in Guwahati in comparison to the other cities across India after the first day of the Diwali festival. Between 4 pm on November 14 and 4 pm on November 15, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Guwahati was found to be 173, which is considered to be 'Moderate' as per the yardsticks of the 'Central Pollution Control Board' (CPCB).

The AQI in Guwahati shot up to 371 (Very Poor category) after the Diwali celebrations in 2019. Even the healthy people can develop respiratory illness if the AQI increases beyond 301.

An environment expert told The Sentinel on Sunday that it is encouraging to see moderate AQI in Guwahati after the first day of Diwali festival. He said that the ban on firecrackers has made an impact on the air quality of the city. The people with lung and heart ailments, children and elderly people may face discomfort in breathing under the moderate category of air quality.

The other north-eastern cities like Agartala has recorded 259 AQI (Poor) at 4 pm on November 15 followed by 51 (Satisfactory) in Kohima and 20 (Good) in Shillong. Kolkata has also recorded moderate air quality. But despite the blanket ban on sale and use of firecrackers by the National Green Tribunal, the AQI in Delhi has turned out to be "Severe".

Firecrackers were almost invisible in the city markets this time. A senior police official said that the city Police has deployed 20 special teams to enforce the blanket ban on sale and use of firecrackers. The Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) has imposed the ban.

A PCBA official hoped that the better air quality would continue during the second day of Diwali on Sunday. He further stated that the city residents have become much aware this time about the adverse effects of firecrackers on health.

"The current pandemic has taught us the importance of good health. Polluted air directly impacts lungs. Poor lungs may make the people more vulnerable to Coronavirus infection and resultant complications such as breathlessness and oxygen saturation. Bursting of fire crackers emits poisonous gas and pollutant particles," added the official.

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