Jamshedpur: Diwali was celebrated with enormous enthusiasm and traditional fervour here on Sunday. With the dusk setting in, the city was illuminated with decorated diyas. However, celebrations in the city have sparked concerns over escalating pollution levels.
As the city basked in the glow of illuminated diyas and vibrant lights, the aftermath revealed a significant surge in pollution. Firework displays, though a traditional part of Diwali, have contributed to increased air and noise pollution levels.
The night sky, adorned with bursts of colour from fireworks, has left behind a city grappling with the consequences. Piles of waste, remnants of the festivities, serve as a stark reminder of the environmental toll of the celebrations.
The revelry, marked by the thunderous sound of crackers, posed challenges for bike riders navigating through roads. The enthusiastic burst of firecrackers well past midnight added to the festivities but also to the pollution levels.
Despite growing environmental awareness, this year saw no decline in the use of crackers, with traders capitalizing on the demand until late at night. The inability of authorities to control cracker sales in residential areas has raised questions about the enforcement of regulations.
The local Pollution Control Board reported a substantial increase in air pollution levels post-Diwali celebrations. Officials noted a rise in night pollution levels, attributing it to the release of toxic gases from the fireworks.
Teams from the Pollution Control Board are diligently monitoring ambient air quality at various locations. Reports compiled post-festival will be submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Stricter adherence to central norms, based on the Environment Protection Act (1986), may be crucial to mitigating the environmental impact of festive celebrations.
This year witnessed no decline in the use of crackers, and traders capitalized on the demand until late at night. The police, unfortunately, failed to curb the sale of crackers in residential areas.
The local Pollution Control Board reported a significant increase in air pollution levels post-Diwali celebrations. An official stated, “Since last night, the night pollution level in Jamshedpur has increased many times, and huge amounts of toxic gases released by crackers have added to the pollution in the city.”
A team from the Pollution Control Board has been monitoring ambient air quality at various locations. The readings will be compiled post-festival, and reports will be sent to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB guidelines indicate permissible noise limits in commercial areas and silence zones, and a few new locations have been added to the monitoring list.
The JSPCB will adhere strictly to central norms based on the Environment Protection Act (1986). The act specifies that anyone found bursting crackers between 10 pm and 6 am or within a 100m radius from silence zones is liable to prosecution.
While Diwali brought joy and celebration, the environmental consequences are evident. Striking a balance between tradition and environmental responsibility is crucial, and stricter enforcement of regulations may be necessary to mitigate the impact of festive celebrations on the environment.
