Chandigarh.15 November,2020: Chandigarh Administration is committed to provide a pollution free environment to the residents of Chandigarh. The Air Action plan is being implemented in the city to reduce the Air Pollution. Keeping in view of checking the spread of Covid-19 Pandemic and to avoid inconvenience to Covid affected persons and persons with other respiratory issues, Chandigarh Administration banned the Sale/Bursting of Fire Crackers in U.T. Chandigarh. Massive awareness campaign was launched through Newspapers, Radio Channels and street plays etc. to create awareness amongst general public regarding ill effects of bursting of fire crackers and the ban imposed on fire crackers by Chandigarh Administration.
It is heartening to observe that the citizens of Chandigarh not only welcomed the move but also participated wholeheartedly in the fight against the prevailing pandemic situation and refrained from bursting of crackers thereby complying with the decision of the Chandigarh Administration. The ambient air quality data collected for the city beautiful is the testimony to the fact that the citizens of Chandigarh stood to the occasion for the cause of Health and Environment as appealed by the Chandigarh Administration.
The results indicate that there is remarkable reduction in air pollution in comparison to last year despite of the fact that last year Diwali was on 27th October (when air pollution is comparatively less than November) while this year Diwali was on 14th November. From the data captured from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) it is observed that there is drastic reduction in AQI (Air Quality Index) from 341 (Very Poor) in 2019 to 140 (Moderate) in 2020. The ambient air quality data recorded on Diwali day in 2020 is almost equivalent to the data captured on normal days before Diwali. However it has been observed during the past years that the AQI worsens drastically on Diwali day compared to the normal days recorded prior to Diwali. During 2019 the AQI on normal day was 110 compared to 341 on Diwali day.
Similar remarkable observation has also been made in the ambient noise levels wherein maximum noise level recorded during Diwali day in 2020 as 66.6 dB(A) Leq. against maximum value of 79.8 dB(A) Leq. recorded during 2019.
Chandigarh administration sincerely thanks the responsible citizens to have complied and respected the decision of the Chandigarh Administration for the ban on sale and bursting of fire crackers in the U. T. Chandigarh thereby showing their solidarity to fight Covid-19 Pandemic and concern to Air Pollution.
