Dehradun’s Air Quality Plummets Ahead of Diwali: AQI Hits 171, Health Concerns Mount

Dehradun faces a pre-Diwali air pollution crisis as its AQI reached 171, categorized as ‘poor’. Primarily driven by vehicular, industrial, and construction emissions, this poses severe health risks, especially for respiratory patients. Experts predict further deterioration on Diwali due to fireworks. Authorities are monitoring air quality and launching awareness campaigns, urging citizens for an eco-friendly celebration.

Dehradun’s air quality has significantly deteriorated ahead of the Diwali festival, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting a concerning 171. This figure places Dehradun’s atmosphere firmly in the ‘poor’ category, triggering health warnings for its residents. The primary culprits behind this alarming rise in pollution are a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, and ongoing construction activities, collectively contributing to a hazardous air quality.

For individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, the current environment presents a critical health risk. The colder, slower-moving air characteristic of the season traps pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 close to the ground, exacerbating the problem. Experts from the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) forecast a potential doubling of pollution levels on Diwali day itself, primarily due to firecracker use. An AQI exceeding 150 is considered highly detrimental to respiratory health, making the festive period particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups.

In response, the UEPPCB has ramped up its efforts, implementing 24-hour air quality monitoring across 13 cities, including Dehradun, with specific stations at Ghantaghar, Nehru Colony, and Doon University. Local municipal bodies are also actively engaging in mitigation strategies, such as water sprinkling on roads, conducting e-rickshaw-based public awareness campaigns, and utilizing social media to advocate for an eco-friendly Diwali. Environmental specialists are urging all citizens, especially seniors, children, and asthma patients, to exercise extreme caution, minimize outdoor exposure, and embrace a ‘green Diwali’ to collectively safeguard public health and the city’s environment.

Source: Jagran