The festive celebrations of Diwali in Andhra Pradesh have brought a concerning rise in air pollution levels across various cities. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) monitored air quality and noise levels statewide, reporting a significant drop in air quality following Diwali fireworks. Key cities such as Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, and Kakinada saw PM10 and PM2.5 levels surge, pushing air quality into the “moderate” to “poor” range.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), air quality readings showed the following for PM10: Visakhapatnam recorded 238, Rajamahendravaram 225, and Kakinada 217, indicating poor air quality. Other cities like Vizianagaram (182), Pydibheemavaram (171), and Chittoor (152) also faced elevated pollutant levels. Cities with moderate air quality included Amaravati (119), Vijayawada (115), and Kurnool (113). This spike highlights the environmental impact of Diwali fireworks, which significantly increased particulate matter in the air, posing health risks for residents, especially those with respiratory conditions.
An AQI score categorizes air quality as “good” (0-50), “satisfactory” (50-100), “moderate” (100-200), “poor” (200-300), “very poor” (300-400), and “severe” (400+). The high PM10 and PM2.5 levels indicate a need for increased awareness and preventive measures for upcoming festivals. Experts suggest that reducing firecracker usage and promoting eco-friendly celebrations can help mitigate air pollution and protect public health.
As Andhra Pradesh recovers from the post-Diwali pollution spike, authorities and residents alike are encouraged to work toward creating healthier, cleaner celebrations for the future.
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