Punjab, a northern state in India, has emerged victorious in its annual battle against air pollution during Diwali festivities, achieving a commendable 7.6% reduction in the average Air Quality Index (AQI) compared to 2022 and an impressive 22.8% reduction compared to 2021.
This positive outcome is attributed to proactive measures and the strategic installation of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in six major cities across the state, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh, and Patiala. These monitoring stations provide real-time insights into ambient air quality, playing a crucial role in the successful mitigation of air pollution.
Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, the Environment Minister, revealed these encouraging statistics in a press release, crediting the reduction to the collaborative efforts of the State Government, environmental agencies, and the public. The meticulously recorded AQI values from 7 am on Diwali day until 6 am the following day serve as a testament to the success of collective action in curbing air pollution.
Among the cities that demonstrated notable improvements in AQI this Diwali, Amritsar recorded the highest AQI at 235, showcasing a significant improvement from the previous year’s peak value of 262. The Minister emphasized that these achievements underscore the effectiveness of measures promoting the responsible use of firecrackers and the adoption of eco-friendly green crackers during the Diwali festival.
The cities contributing to the overall reduction in AQI during Diwali 2023 were Amritsar, Ludhiana, Khanna, Mandi Gobindgarh, and Patiala. The average AQI for Punjab this Diwali stood at 207, slightly exceeding the maximum AQI value of 200 for the moderate category. Nonetheless, this represents a significant improvement compared to the AQI of 224 in 2022 and 268 in 2021.
Meet Hayer acknowledged the cooperation of the residents of Punjab, commending them for adhering to advisories regarding the timing of firecracker bursts and the use of environmentally friendly green crackers. This responsible behavior substantially contributed to the overall enhancement of air quality not only during this year’s Diwali but also compared to preceding years.
Mandi Gobindgarh led the way in showcasing the most substantial AQI reduction, with an impressive 18.6% decrease. The city recorded the lowest AQI this year at 153, down from values of 188 in 2022 and 220 in 2021, highlighting the positive impact of targeted environmental measures and the collective consciousness of the residents.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) expressed heartfelt appreciation for the public’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The concerted efforts to adhere to advisories have culminated in tangible improvements in air quality, showcasing the potential for positive change when communities unite for a common goal.
In conclusion, Minister Meet Hayer urged the residents of Punjab to sustain this momentum and continue following advisories issued by the state government. By doing so, individuals can significantly contribute to maintaining improved air quality not just during festivals but throughout the year.
While Punjab celebrates its success, the city of Chandigarh faced a different scenario, with its air quality deteriorating to the ‘severe’ category on Diwali night, according to the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee. Despite restrictions on firecrackers, the city experienced violations, emphasizing the global challenge of balancing festive traditions with environmental conservation.
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