Chennai air quality reaches poor category after Deepavali celebrations
The city's average Air Quality Index stood at 213 on Monday morning following firecracker bursting on Sunday evening.
Chennai's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 213 at 9 a.m. on Monday, placing the city in the 'Poor' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The deterioration occurred after firecracker bursting increased across the city on Sunday evening, according to The Hindu.
A 24-hour survey by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) from 6 a.m. on November 8 to 6 a.m. on November 9 showed Valasaravakkam recorded the highest AQI in the state at 343. This reading falls in the 'Very Poor' category. Other high readings included Nungambakkam at 332, Sowcarpet at 311, T.
Nagar at 306, and Triplicane at 267.
The TNPCB attributed the rise in air and noise pollution to the use of firecrackers and changes in weather factors such as wind speed, wind direction, and atmospheric stability. Noise levels also increased, with Valasaravakkam recording the highest level at 88.6 dB(A).
Residents expressed concerns regarding the enforcement of cracker-bursting restrictions. A resident of Valasaravakkam, Aruna, stated that the permitted window for bursting crackers was too short and early. Another resident, Vaishnavi, noted that poor visibility and smoke dispersion were issues in residential areas due to cramped spaces.
The TNPCB conducted these monitoring exercises following Supreme Court directions to track air and noise levels for 15 days, spanning seven days before and after the festival.