Despite restrictions on bursting crackers and awareness campaigns about it, PM 2.5 and PM10 levels were double than last Diwali. (Representational)
Visibility was low due to thick smog in Chandigarh on Tuesday, first time in this season.
Weather department officials said, “No movement in the air, pollution due to firecrackers in Diwali and stubble burning in neighbouring areas said to be reasons behind the low visibility. It will continue for one or two days.”
Surinder Paul, director of Meteorological Department, Chandigarh, said, “This season, first time low visibility was reported due to the thick smog. When air will improve and winds start, it will clear automatically. We have not reported any major improvement in Air Quality Index in the last 48 hours.”
This Diwali, the air quality plummeted to ‘very poor’ category as compared to Diwali last year. The air quality was at its worst in three years since 2017.
Despite restrictions on bursting the crackers and awareness campaigns not to use crackers, PM 2.5 and PM10 level — particulate matter —was double than what it was last Diwali. PM 2.5, one of the most deadly pollutants, remained at one of the highest marks which is a matter of concern as it can travel deep into the respiratory tract.
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