Gurugram’s air quality deteriorated sharply after Dussehra fireworks, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 205 on Wednesday morning and Manesar recording 235, placing both areas in the poor category, according to an official cited by Millennium Post. The rise has prompted inspections by the Pollution Control Board and a health advisory for residents.
Gurugram’s AQI stood at 132 just two days earlier, meaning the reading increased by 73 points within 72 hours. By Wednesday evening, the AQI was reported to be between 157 and 193. Manesar’s AQI remained above 200 for the fourth consecutive day.
The Pollution Control Board has begun an inspection drive to examine sources linked to the deterioration in air quality. A team inspected a firecracker warehouse in Chandu village and sent samples to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for examination, the report said.
Harish Sharma, Regional Officer of the Pollution Control Board, said all firecracker warehouses would be inspected, with police personnel accompanying the teams. Only green firecrackers carrying specific identification marks will be permitted for sale, according to the report.
The deterioration follows fireworks during Dussehra and comes ahead of Diwali, when the use of firecrackers could increase pressure on the region’s air. Environmental experts cited in the report warned that the AQI could cross 400 and enter the severe category if the situation is not controlled before the festival. The report did not provide a separate official forecast for that possibility.
Weather conditions are also limiting the dispersal of pollutants. The Meteorological Department said wind speeds had fallen to between 5 and 8 kilometres per hour. As temperatures decline, fine particulate matter can remain suspended closer to the ground and form a layer in the air, restricting the movement of pollutants.
The health department’s advisory said prolonged exposure to poor-quality air can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation. It recommended that residents avoid morning walks and wear masks. The advisory is particularly relevant as the AQI readings in both Gurugram and Manesar remained in the poor range or above during the period covered by the report.
The inspections and warehouse sampling place enforcement of firecracker rules at the centre of the immediate response. The next steps identified by officials are the inspection of all firecracker warehouses, police-assisted enforcement and examination of the samples sent to PESO.
