Pune’s air quality took a dangerous hit during this year’s Diwali celebrations, with pollution levels soaring to alarming heights. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board conducted a study that revealed the city’s air turned toxic due to the excessive bursting of firecrackers during the festival.
The assessment, which covered two key days of Diwali festivities, showed a significant increase in pollutants in the air. The Shaniwar Wada area, a popular spot in Pune, experienced worrying spikes in pollution levels. PM10 levels on Narak Chaturdashi were recorded at 135.19 micrograms per cubic meter, but skyrocketed to 395.96 on Lakshmi Pujan, reaching a shocking 1,599 micrograms at midnight. PM2.5 levels also saw a steep rise, from 51.32 on the first day to 140 on the second day, peaking at 549 by midnight.
Other harmful pollutants like sulphur dioxide also showed significant increases during the festival. The release of these toxic pollutants poses serious health risks to residents of Pune. Dr. Sanjay Gaikwad, a respiratory specialist at Sassoon Hospital, warned of the potential life-threatening consequences of prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels.
He advised citizens to take precautionary measures like wearing masks to protect themselves, especially during peak pollution periods. The alarming data from the MPCB’s assessment serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of unchecked firecracker activity during festive celebrations.
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