Bhubaneswar: Following Diwali celebrations, smoke from fireworks has noticeably spoiled the air quality in many cities across Odisha.
Industrial areas have been hit particularly hard, with Talcher recording the worst air quality in the state at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 281 on Monday. Available data showed Joda-Bileipada at 258 and the state capital Bhubaneswar at 206, while Rourkela registered 178. The figures have renewed concerns about post-Diwali air pollution.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s AQI classification, readings between 201 and 300 fall in the “Poor” category. Prolonged exposure in this range can lead to breathing difficulties for most people. Levels between 101 and 200 are classified as “Moderate.”
Bursting of firecrackers releases various harmful gases and fine particulate matter into the air, especially PM2.5 and PM10 particles that pollute the environment. Because PM2.5 particles are extremely fine, they can penetrate deep into the lungs through the respiratory tract, potentially aggravating asthma, bronchitis, other respiratory problems and heart conditions.
Firecracker smoke is not the only factor. In industrial and mining regions such as Talcher and Joda, emissions from industrial units, dust generated by mineral transport, vehicle exhaust and construction activity already contribute significantly to pollution. When this existing burden combines with the additional smoke from Diwali celebrations, the situation becomes more worrying. Reports from monitoring stations indicated that Bileipada in Kendujhar recorded among the highest readings in the state in the immediate aftermath, with Bhubaneswar areas also showing elevated levels, occasionally crossing the 1,000-mark into “hazardous” territory, and hazy conditions as smoke lingered.
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Despite restrictions and designated window (7 pm to 9 pm) set by local authorities and the State Pollution Control Board for bursting crackers to curb emissions, widespread non-compliance by revellers worsened the situation.
Odisha State Pollution Control Board environmental scientist Niranjan Mallick has advised people to remain cautious. Those suffering from respiratory issues or heart disease should wear masks when going outdoors. Residents are also urged to avoid spending extended time outside, running or engaging in strenuous exercise during periods of high pollution. Extra care is needed for children, the elderly and people with breathing ailments.
Before Diwali, the state pollution control board had appealed to the public to use green crackers and follow pollution-control norms. It had also cautioned that traditional firecrackers may contain barium nitrate, lead and other harmful chemicals, recommending that genuine green crackers be identified through the CSIR-NEERI logo and QR code.
