Air high quality in most components of Chennai deteriorated throughout Deepavali celebrations. Picture Credit score: B. Velankanni Raj
Environmental group Poovulagin Nanbargal has referred to as for a assessment of how air air pollution is measured in Tamil Nadu, alleging the present strategies understate the true influence of firecracker emissions throughout Deepavali.
In keeping with the Tamil Nadu Air pollution Management Board (TNPCB), Chennai’s Air High quality Index (AQI) between 6 am on October 20 and 6 am on October 21 ranged from 190 to 332. Nonetheless, Poovulagin Nanbargal stated the precise air pollution ranges had been far increased, as personal monitoring apps confirmed readings of as much as 993 AQI in components of the town on Deepavali evening.
The group criticized the TNPCB’s use of 24-hour averages, saying this conceals the depth of air pollution throughout peak hours when the air turns into dangerously poisonous. “In areas like Valasaravakkam, the place the 24-hour common was 332 AQI, the real-time degree between 8 pm and 11 pm may have exceeded 800 AQI,” the group stated in a press release.
It additionally identified that the TNPCB displays can not file ranges above 500 AQI, making it unimaginable to understand how dangerous air high quality actually will get. It urged the federal government to launch hourly knowledge, enhance real-time monitoring stations in cities, and take away the 500-AQI ceiling.
Poovulagin Nanbargal additional demanded stricter time restrictions on bursting crackers, an entire ban in hill stations equivalent to Ooty and Kodaikanal, and a air pollution tax on fireworks primarily based on the “polluter pays” precept. It additionally referred to as for a long-term plan to supply different livelihoods for firecracker staff.
Revealed – October 30, 2025 03:31 pm IST