Chandigarh, 29 October 2024: As Diwali approaches, Chandigarh’s air quality has plunged into the ‘poor’ category, influenced by stubble burning in nearby states, vehicular emissions, and changing weather conditions. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 261 at 5 p.m., with levels fluctuating near 250 by 8 p.m.
To limit pollution this Diwali, the UT Administration has approved the sale of eco-friendly green crackers, designating 12 vending sites and forming inspection teams to enforce authorized sales. Residents have been urged to buy crackers from listed vendors and follow the permitted timeframe of 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for their use on Diwali.
Monitoring stations in Sector 53 and Sector 22 recorded AQI levels of 253 and 248, respectively. Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, a professor of environmental health at PGI, attributed the poor air quality primarily to stubble burning and vehicle pollution, compounded by recent climatic changes.
“Crop residue burning releases pollutants that drift into urban areas, degrading air quality,” Dr. Khaiwal explained. “Calm winds restrict pollutant dispersion, and higher relative humidity can contribute to secondary pollution. Additionally, increased festive-season traffic, along with construction and industrial activities, raises background pollution. Lower temperatures trap these pollutants close to the ground, causing AQI spikes that impact health and visibility.”
Experts noted that rainfall or stronger winds could potentially improve the air quality. However, if temperatures continue to drop, AQI levels could rise to 300 or higher, escalating concerns.
In response to persistent air pollution, Chandigarh has been included in the National Clean Air Programme, receiving approximately Rs 32 crore from the Central Government since 2019 to reduce pollution by 30–40 percent. The funding has supported increased greenery along roadsides and the acquisition of pollution-control vehicles equipped with sprinklers and smog guns.
Despite these efforts, Chandigarh’s air quality ranking in the Centre’s Clean Air Survey fell from 22nd place last year to 31st this September. A Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee official stated that a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in place and will be activated if pollution worsens.
