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Chandigarh air turns ‘very poor’ amid ‘noisy’ Diwali celebrations

At IMTECH, Sector 39, the monitoring station recorded an AQI of 318 and at the PEC-12 monitoring station it was recorded at 312.

Delhi AQI, Delhi aqi today, delhi aqi ahead of diwali, diwali week delhi weather today, delhi air quality today October 19At IMTECH, Sector 39, the monitoring station recorded an AQI of 318 and at the PEC-12 monitoring station it was recorded at 312. (Express Photo)

Chandigarh saw air quality plunging to the “very poor” category at some locations as residents were allowed to burst crackers between 8 pm and 10 pm.

On a regular day, AQI readings are recorded from “satisfactory” to “moderate” (below 120) across all locations. However, on Diwali, the air quality was recorded as “moderate” up to 8 pm. Thereafter, fireworks deteriorated the AQI, reaching the “very poor” category at some locations. The Sector 53 monitoring station recorded an AQI of 304.

At IMTECH, Sector 39, the monitoring station recorded an AQI of 318 and at the PEC-12 monitoring station it was recorded at 312.

Two sites, however, recorded the AQI to the “poor category: it was 234 at Sector 22 and 296 at Sector 25.

Sector 17, which doesn’t have any residential area and where commercial establishments remained closed, recorded the air quality in the “moderate” range on Diwali day.

“In line with efforts to protect the environment and ensure cleaner air, the Chandigarh Administration has implemented specific guidelines for the use of firecrackers during Diwali and other festivals. As part of these measures, residents were permitted to burst only green firecrackers between 8 pm and 10 pm on the Diwali night,” the Chandigarh Administration issued a statement.

“The public response was overwhelmingly positive. Notably, the evening before Diwali passed with minimal noise, and air quality remained at levels typical of a regular day. On Diwali itself, most residents adhered to the two-hour time window, and the quantity of firecrackers used was significantly lower than in previous years,” the administration said.

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“As per details, the air quality improved the following morning, which is an encouraging sign of growing environmental responsibility among citizens,” the administration added.

To monitor the impact of firecrackers, air and noise levels were measured at six locations — once on a normal day (October 13) and then on Diwali day (October 20).

“It’s praiseworthy that citizens adhered to timelines as a result; AQI improves significantly to a good/satisfactory level. The CPCC/Environment Department solicits and acknowledges the support of citizens of Chandigarh, due to which this is possible. With the support of citizens and due to favourable weather conditions on October 21, the AQI levels gradually returned to ‘satisfactory’ from 1 am onwards. Four of the six monitored sites (Sectors 17, 22, 25 and 53) showed better air quality compared to Diwali in 2024,” the administration said.

“This consistent improvement over the past three years (2022 onwards) reflects growing environmental awareness, particularly among younger generations and school children. The Environment Department continues its dedicated campaigns to promote eco-friendly celebrations, including the ‘Green Diwali’ initiative in schools,” the administration said.

Noise level increased

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Noise pollution also increased on Diwali compared to a regular day, with the highest noise level recorded at 80.7 dB(A) in Sector 22 and the lowest at 65.8 dB(A) in Sector 25 between 8 pm and 10 pm.

From 8 pm to 9 pm, the noise level at IMTECh was 73.4 decibels, which is recorded at 52.4 decible on a regular day in the consecutive time period. From 9 pm to 10 pm, it was 74.3 decibels and from 10 pm to 11 pm it was 75.3 decibels.

Even in Sector 22, the noise level went up to 80.7 decibels between 9 pm and 10 pm.

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