Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 11 November 2023
In response to the escalating concerns over air pollution and its adverse impact on public health, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has instituted measures to curb pollution caused by the use of firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali festival. This initiative comes in compliance with the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) Order dated October 23, 2018, in the matter of O.A No.728 of 2015. Bursting of Fire Crackers has been restricted to two hours only in between 8 pm to 10 pm during Deepawali.
Acknowledging the critical nature of air quality during Diwali, the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has embarked on a short-term monitoring program for ambient air and noise levels. The monitoring program aligns with the guidelines set forth by the Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi.
To execute this monitoring initiative, the ANPCC has strategically installed three monitoring stations at key locations – Aberdeen Bazaar, Dollygunj, and Chouldari. Operational for 15 days, starting from seven days before Diwali (commencing on November 5, 2023) and concluding seven days after the festival (ending on November 19, 2023), these stations will closely monitor various pollutants.
The parameters under scrutiny include Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter 10 (PM10), Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), as well as metals such as Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Arsenic (As) in PM10. Further, selected metals/elements such as Aluminium (Al), Barium (Ba), and Iron (Fe) in PM2.5 will be assessed. Additionally, noise levels will be continuously monitored on both pre-Deepawali and Deepawali days.
With Diwali falling on November 12, 2023, the ANPCC’s monitoring program will provide crucial data spanning from November 5 to November 19, 2023, covering the significant seven days before and after the festival.
The Ambient Air Quality will be assessed using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which categorises air quality into six categories ranging from Good to Severe. Last year, in 2022, the AQI at Aberdeen Bazaar and Dollygunj Station was assessed as “Good.” ANPCC’s dedicated efforts aim to maintain and enhance air and noise quality during the festival, fostering a safe and healthy environment for the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.