Haridwar’s Air Quality Worsens After Diwali Celebrations
On the morning after Diwali, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India, was shrouded in a smoky haze due to the extensive use of firecrackers. The thick smoke significantly reduced air visibility, causing respiratory issues for some residents and making morning walks difficult.
Residents Express Concerns
Harendra Singh, a local resident, voiced his concerns, stating, “Firecrackers should be banned nationwide. They harm everyone, including those who use them. The noise affects the sick and weak, and they are a waste of money. People need to be educated about their harmful effects on air quality.”
Another resident, Saurav, noted, “The air is different today because of Diwali. It’s hard to breathe, and the pollution is bad for our health. The firecrackers last night released a lot of pollutants, reducing visibility.”
Rajkumar Pal also expressed his worries, saying, “The pollution today is mainly due to excessive firecracker use during Deepavali. They pose dangers like burns and respiratory threats. It’s sad to see Haridwar’s environment deteriorate.”
Wider Impact
Other cities also experienced poor air quality after Diwali. The national capital’s air quality fell into the ‘very poor’ category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 350, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), raising health concerns for its residents.
Doubts Revealed
Haridwar -: Haridwar is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its religious significance and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Diwali -: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India. It involves lighting lamps, bursting firecrackers, and sharing sweets.
Air Quality -: Air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air is. Poor air quality means there are harmful substances in the air that can affect health.
Firecrackers -: Firecrackers are small explosive devices used during celebrations like Diwali. They create loud noises and bright lights but can also cause air pollution.
Respiratory Issues -: Respiratory issues refer to problems with breathing. Poor air quality can make it hard to breathe and can cause coughing or other health problems.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air is. Higher numbers mean worse air quality.
Central Pollution Control Board -: The Central Pollution Control Board is an Indian government agency that monitors and controls pollution in the country. It provides information about air and water quality.