The real-time air quality monitoring index on the portal of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded a drop in air quality in several Bengaluru neighborhoods on Diwali night. Air quality index values in major areas of Bengaluru such as Silk Board, BTM and Hebbal fell in the moderate category between 101-200 on Oct. 24.
According to the CPCB, an AQI value in the moderate category can cause respiratory problems in people with lung and heart disease, children and the elderly.
At BTM, the AQI on the night of Diwali (October 24) was 122, while Bapuji Nagar recorded 177, Hebbal (111), Jayanagar (121) and Silk Board (123). The AQI at Silk Board was a poor 236 Tuesday morning, CPCB data revealed.
In particular, the air quality was in the good category in all the areas mentioned in September.
An official of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) said: “Air quality is deteriorating due to the explosion of fireworks. Air quality deteriorated during the evening and night of the festival. In addition, many banned crackers were also used by the people. We are tracking air quality data from Oct. 17-31 across the state. This will tell us about the impact of fireworks on the environment. The data will be released next month. As of now, I can say that fireworks have definitely had an impact on the deterioration of air quality.”