Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 October 2025
With air pollution posing a significant health risk, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has intensified efforts to control pollution caused by firecrackers during the upcoming Deepawali festival.
In compliance with the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) order dated 23rd October 2018 in O.A. No. 728 of 2015, the Administration has restricted the bursting of firecrackers to a two-hour window between 8 pm and 10 pm on Deepawali, 20th October 2025.
To monitor air and noise quality, the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has launched a short-term monitoring program following the protocols of the Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi. Three monitoring stations have been set up at Aberdeen Bazaar, Dollygunj, and Chouldari. These stations will operate for 15 days, beginning seven days before Deepawali on 13th October and concluding seven days after the festival on 27th October.
The monitoring program will track critical air quality parameters including Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and metals such as Lead, Nickel, Arsenic, Aluminium, Barium, and Iron. Noise levels will also be recorded continuously before and during the festival.
The data collected will be used to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI), which classifies air quality into six categories—from Good to Severe—indicating the potential health impacts of pollution on residents. Last year, the AQI was recorded as ‘satisfactory’ at Aberdeen Bazaar and Dollygunj.
The ANPCC emphasized that these measures aim to safeguard public health and ensure a safe, clean, and healthy environment during the festive season. Residents are encouraged to follow the guidelines and be mindful of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
