Pollution Peaks In 11 Cities During Diwali, Bengaluru Records 55% Increase In PM 2.5 Levels

Bengaluru witnessed a 55% surge in PM 2.5 levels during the initial 12 hours of Monday, as pollution levels in several cities across the country doubled, according to a report by NCAP Tracker. Researchers compared pre-Deepavali PM 2.5 levels on November 11 with the data from 12 am to 12 pm on Monday in 11 cities. The World Health Organization's safe limit for PM2.5 is 15 micrograms per cubic meter.

In comparison to Deepavali days in 2022, Bengaluru showed improvement, with an average PM 2.5 of 65.8 micrograms per cubic meter this year compared to 81.5 last year. However, other cities experienced significant spikes, with Delhi recording the highest PM 2.5 levels at 395.9 micrograms/cubic meter during the first 12 hours of November 13, compared to 126.7 micrograms/cubic meter on October 25, 2022. Kolkata saw a nearly 500% increase from the previous year.

Cities like Bhopal (334.5), Patna (255.6), Mumbai (159.9), Chandigarh (157.5), Chennai (114.7), Gandhinagar (122.3), Lucknow (167.6), and Hyderabad (88.4) also reported elevated PM 2.5 levels.

The 12-hour data was chosen to capture the morning spikes post-Deepavali, known for high pollution levels. A spokesperson for NCAP Tracker mentioned plans for a follow-up report comparing the 24-hour period after Diwali in 2023 with that of 2022. Aarti Khosla, Director of Climate Trends, attributed the worsening PM 2.5 levels to the unchecked burning of firecrackers. She emphasized the need for collaboration between the Center and states, suggesting a phased-out approach to the cracker industry over the next 2-3 years instead of an abrupt shutdown. Khosla also highlighted the importance of addressing the mindset of those unwilling to change.