NEW DELHI: Diwali celebrations across the city this year were more quiet in comparison to last year but produced more air pollution due to weather conditions and use of more smoke-producing crackers.

Environmentalists attribute the reduced noise pollution this year due to usage of fewer firecrackers but raised concern over rising air pollution, saying it would impact public health especially as it comes in the wake of a spell of dense smog over the city.

“Air pollutant levels during 2012 Diwali were found to be higher as compared to Diwali 2011, which can be attributed to adverse meteorological conditions or bursting of less noisy but more smoke-producing crackers,” a Central Pollution Control Board official said.

CPCB monitored air quality at seven locations. The level of particulate matter (PM10) showed an increase at all locations (compared with last year’s Diwali), RSPM values too were significantly higher — ranging between 748 and 951ug/m3 as compared to 416 and 635ug/m3 last year. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations increased at all locations. Only sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels showed a decrease from last year at three locations.

via National capital celebrates Diwali with less noise, more smoke – The Times of India.