Air quality was worse on Diwali in Lucknow: CSIR-IIT-R survey

This result implied that the Diwali festival leads to a small, but statistically significant increase in air pollution. The results of the survey during Diwali festival clearly indicate significant deterioration of air quality in Lucknow city.

Reports here on Monday said that the inhalable fine particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) levels at most of the monitoring locations were found higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

On Diwali night, the level of PM10 had suddenly increased to 604.12 µg/m3 i.e. increased by 164 % from 228.44 µg/m3 over the pre-Diwali night and reduced to 205.04. µg/m3 during post-Diwali night.

The level of PM2.5 had suddenly increased to 402.22 µg/m3 i.e. increase by 282 % from 105.11 µg/m3 over the pre-Diwali night and reduced to 100.95. µg/m3 during post-Diwali night.

The highest noise level was recorded at Charbagh area with 84.3 dB(A) whereas the lowest was recorded at Chowk area with 71.6 dB(A) on Diwali night.

The night-time noise levels exceeded the prescribed CPCB night Standards at all locations.

The large quantity of pollutants formed due to burning of firecrackers during Diwali festival may be the cause of the increase of air pollution in Lucknow city which may also be the cause of increased mortality and morbidity in the urban area.

However, alternatively, community celebration may be allowed at predefined areas, the report suggested.