Chandigarh, October 21
The air pollution levels on Diwali this year were generally lower than the last year. This was stated in an analysis done to monitor the ambient air quality during the festival.
The sound level and ambient air quality (RSPM, SPM, SO2, NOx) were measured at seven different locations in the city under the directions of the Central Pollution Control Board.
The analysis stated that the RSPM levels at all locations were lower than the previous year. This year, RSPM levels at Sector 22, Kaimbwala and Sector 29 were within the permissible limits whereas RSPM levels at the Panjab University, Kajheri, Mani Majra and Sector 9 exceeded the permissible limits.
The SPM levels at all locations except Panjab University and Kajheri were lower than the previous year.
The SPM levels at Sector 22, Kaimbwala and Sector 29 was within permissible limits whereas RSPM levels at Panjab University, Kajheri, Mani Majra and Sector 9 exceeded the permissible limits.
It was found that SO2 and NOx levels at all locations were within the permissible limits.
SO2 levels at Panjab University, Sector 9, Mani Majra and Kajheri were higher than the previous year, while NOx levels at all locations except Kaimbwala, Sector 29 and Mani Majra remained lower than the previous year.
The analysis further revealed that sound levels at all locations except Mani Majra and Sector 9 remained lower than the previous year but exceeded the permissible limits at other locations.
Maximum air and noise pollution was found in Mani Majra.
Due to the sustained efforts of the environment department, the air pollution level has gradually come down in the city.
The department carries out the analysis every year for two days.
However, this year the department did the analysis for three days — day preceding Diwali, Diwali and the day after Diwali.