Noise and air pollution persist in the city after Diwali
Pollution levels reached nearly seven times the national standard as crackers were burst throughout Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Crackers continued to be burst across the city through Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday, according to Telegraph India. The activity led to noise norm violations and increased air pollution levels.
The air quality monitoring station at Bidhannagar recorded PM2.5 levels of almost 400 micrograms per cubic metre on Tuesday morning. This figure is nearly seven times the national standard of 60 micrograms and almost 25 times the World Health Organisation guideline of 15 micrograms.
At least three other monitoring stations operated by the state pollution control board (PCB) showed PM2.5 concentrations above 300 micrograms per cubic metre during the same period. While only green crackers were permitted between 8pm and 10pm on Sunday, various types of crackers were observed being used in Bhowanipore, Ballygunge, Mukundapur, and Salt Lake on Monday night.
A resident of EE Block in Salt Lake alleged police apathy, stating that a call to the police at 6pm on Monday resulted in a disinterested response. A resident of New Alipore also noted a hazy sky and a prevailing burning smell during a morning walk.
Pollution levels eased by Tuesday afternoon as the air quality index reached 129, placing it in the moderate category. Kalyan Rudra, former chairperson of the state PCB, said favourable weather conditions, including winds and a rise in temperature, helped disperse the pollutants.
Naba Datta, secretary of the green platform Sabuj Mancha, said the actual extent of pollution might be higher than indicated because several monitoring stations are located in leafy neighbourhoods.