Indore: Despite its reputation as India’s cleanest city, Indore’s air quality took a sharp downturn this Diwali, reaching dangerous levels due to high pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city crossed 400, placing it in the “severe” category. On Friday, the AQI in the densely populated area of Chhoti Gwaltoli hit a concerning 404, driven primarily by high concentrations of PM2.5, which averaged 255.26 micrograms per cubic meter, while PM10 levels were recorded at 318.08.
Diwali Fireworks, Calm Winds Contribute to Spike in Pollution
Dr. Dilip Vaghela, an ex-officer from the State Pollution Control Board and an environmental expert, attributed the AQI surge to extensive Diwali celebrations, during which fireworks were burst in large quantities across the city, especially in densely populated areas like Chhoti Gwaltoli. “Fireworks began early Thursday and continued into late Friday night in many neighborhoods, significantly impacting air quality,” Vaghela explained.
The situation was exacerbated by an almost complete lack of wind in the city. According to the Meteorological Department, Indore recorded a wind speed of zero kilometers per hour at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. This lack of air movement caused pollutants to accumulate rather than disperse, further deteriorating the air quality.
Vehicle Emissions and Road Dust Add to Indore’s Pollution Woes
A study by the global alliance “Clean Air Catalyst,” which aims to improve air quality worldwide, revealed that up to 70% of Indore’s air pollution stems from vehicle emissions and road dust. Indore’s rapid urbanization and increased vehicular traffic contribute significantly to these pollution levels, which, when compounded with festival-related pollution, have pushed the AQI to alarming levels.
Understanding AQI: How Severe is Indore’s Air Quality Crisis?
The AQI scale, set by the Meteorological Department, categorizes air quality levels as follows:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
With an AQI over 400, Indore’s air quality falls into the “severe” category, which poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Urgent Need for Mitigation Measures as Pollution Levels Surge
The surge in AQI levels serves as a wake-up call for residents and officials alike. Environmentalists urge the city to focus on long-term solutions, including stricter vehicle emission regulations and better dust control on roads, while advocating for cleaner celebrations to prevent further pollution spikes during festivals.
