Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi, infamous for its smoke-emitting industries, has now turned out to be the most polluted city this year during the festival of lights, Diwali.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a report on Diwali mentioning ambient air quality which has revealed pollution level in different cities of the country.
Bhiwadi situated in Alwar, which falls in Delhi-NCR, was rated as the most polluted city. Kolkata occupies the second spot, while Agra is the third most polluted city in the country.
Last year, Agra was most polluted city during Diwali.
On 19 October, CPCB issued a report on Air Quality Index (AQI), which shows that the level of pollution in Bhiwadi was 425 micrograms per cubic metre. Kolkata has 358 micrograms per cubic metre while Agra recorded 332 micrograms per cubic metre of air pollution.
The CPCB Air Quality Index Report
Before Diwali this year, the Supreme Court had expressed its concern on increasing levels of pollution in Delhi and imposed a ban on the sale of crackers.
The National Green Tribunal had also taken measures like that of closing down factories causing pollution. However, the pollution level has not been reduced.
The rising level of pollution has led to increasing health issues in Bhiwadi. Doctors have claimed more patients with respiratory problems are coming for treatment.
A new study by the US-based Health Effects Institute in Boston suggests that Indians are susceptible to higher health risks from air pollution than people living in China.
After perusing satellite and air pollution data from 1990 to 2015 from different countries across the world, the group of scientists and doctors found that levels of air pollution have increased exponentially across northern India and Bangladesh since 2010.
It is essential that people understand the importance of celebrating a cracker-free and safe Diwali that is not only good for them but also for the society at large. The Logical Indian urges its community members to contribute in their simple ways that would better the environmental conditions in the country.
