Rajasthan's Air Quality Plummets Post Diwali

Strategic Insights -

Rajasthan's industrial hub, Bhiwadi, ranked worst in the air quality index (AQI) post Diwali celebrations, with 23 cities recording "poor" AQI levels due to heavy firecracker use and stagnant weather conditions. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data revealed that Bhiwadi's AQI was 364 on Tuesday, which decreased to 323 on Wednesday, still classified as "very poor." The poor air quality has prompted the administration to step up pollution control measures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bhiwadi reported the worst air quality in Rajasthan post Diwali, with an AQI of 364 on Tuesday and 323 on Wednesday.
  • The state's AQI figures sharply deteriorated post Diwali, with 23 cities recording "poor" AQI levels.
  • Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh reported AQI levels of 285 and 274 on Tuesday, respectively, which increased to 300 and 296 on Wednesday.
  • The degradation of air quality post Diwali is attributed to factors such as early dip in temperature, stagnant air movement, and western disturbance.
  • The Bhiwadi industrial hub is also affected by the air pollution of Delhi, prompting the implementation of GRAP II norms.
  • The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has taken measures to improve air quality, including regular monitoring of AQI and implementation of the GRAP II norms.
  • Road dust and vehicular emissions are major contributors to air pollution in Rajasthan's cities.
  • The state government has installed water sprinklers to suppress road dust and established waste collection centres with capacities ranging from 25 to 300 TPD.

Statistics:

  • Bhiwadi's AQI was 364 on Tuesday and 323 on Wednesday, still classified as "very poor."
  • The state's AQI figures deteriorated by 8-10% compared to the previous year post Diwali.
  • 23 cities in Rajasthan recorded "poor" AQI levels post Diwali.
  • The AQI in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh increased by 15 and 22 points, respectively, post Diwali.
  • The RSPCB has installed 6 water sprinklers in each city to suppress road dust.
  • Total 11 waste collection centres with 300 TPD capacities are operational in Jaipur city.
  • The waste collection centres in Jaipur city have a total capacity of 300 TPD.

Sources:

  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  • Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB)
  • HT Jaipur