Diwali Celebrations in Odisha Marred by Thick Smoke and Poor Air Quality

Strategic Insights -

Diwali, a festival of lights and celebration, turned into a spectacle of thick smoke and poor air quality in Odisha's twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. Despite stringent restrictions on firecracker use and clear instructions from the Commissionerate Police, residents continued to burst crackers well past midnight, defying pollution control norms. The celebrations, which filled the skies with colors and excitement, left the air unbreathable and visibility severely impaired. Environmental experts warn that the Air Quality Index (AQI) could dip to the "poor" range this year, a stark contrast to the "moderate" category post-Diwali in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thick layers of smoke blanketed Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on Diwali night, severely impairing visibility and air quality.
  • Residents openly defied pollution control norms and police restrictions, bursting crackers well past midnight despite clear instructions to stop by 9 pm.
  • Environmental experts warned that the Air Quality Index (AQI) could dip to the "poor" range this year, a decline from the "moderate" category post-Diwali in 2024.
  • Authorities issued strong warnings stating that violators would face strict action for flouting the time restrictions on firecracker use, but enforcement appeared weak.
  • The celebrations highlighted the growing challenge of air pollution and public indifference toward environmental health in Odisha.
  • Visibility fell drastically in many areas, dropping below 200 meters in Bhubaneswar and a mere 50 meters in Cuttack, causing major inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

Statistics:

  • The air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) expected to dip to the "poor" range this year.
  • Visibility fell below 200 meters in several areas of Bhubaneswar and a mere 50 meters in some parts of Cuttack.
  • The number of firecrackers burst during the celebrations is unknown, but the impact on air quality and visibility is evident.
  • The enforcement of pollution control norms was weak, with authorities failing to prevent residents from bursting crackers past midnight.

Sources:

  • Orissa TV (with permission from HT Digital Content Services)