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Pollution control

Air Quality Index in Chandigarh: Moderate, but Anticipated to Deteriorate on Diwali Night

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily bulletin revealed that the air quality index (AQI) in Chandigarh on Sunday was moderate at 118, a day before Diwali. However, experts anticipate that the AQI may deteriorate on Diwali night due to residents bursting crackers. Fortunately, the day temperatures are higher than last year, which may lead to a quicker improvement in AQI due to temperature inversion, a phenomenon that prevents pollutants from getting scattered in the air. Additionally, the number of stubble burning cases in Punjab, a major contributor to poor AQI, has been relatively lower this time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The air quality index (AQI) in Chandigarh on Sunday was moderate at 118, a day before Diwali.
  • Experts anticipate that the AQI may deteriorate on Diwali night due to residents bursting crackers.
  • Day temperatures are higher than last year, which may lead to a quicker improvement in AQI due to temperature inversion.
  • Temperature inversion prevents pollutants from getting scattered in the air and keeps them trapped like a blanket over the city's air when the temperatures are lower.
  • Stubble burning cases in Punjab, a major contributor to poor AQI, have been relatively lower this time.
  • Last Diwali, the AQI had gone up to 395 at the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Sector 22.
  • The maximum temperature rose from 34°C on Saturday to 34.4°C on Sunday, three degrees above normal.
  • The minimum temperature dropped from 17.5°C on Saturday to 17.2°C on Sunday, a degree above normal.
  • The next three days are expected to have maximum temperatures between 32°C and 34°C with minimum temperatures between 17°C and 19°C.

Statistics:

  • AQI in Chandigarh on Sunday: 118
  • Expected AQI on Diwali night: Anticipated to deteriorate
  • Day temperatures (Saturday and Sunday): 34°C (Saturday), 34.4°C (Sunday)
  • Minimum temperatures (Saturday and Sunday): 17.5°C (Saturday), 17.2°C (Sunday)
  • Temperature variation (Saturday and Sunday): 3 degrees (max) and 1 degree (min)

Sources:

  • Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily bulletin
  • HT Digital Content Services (with permission from HT Chandigarh)

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