Diwali and dry season: Drastic rise in air pollution predicted in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: Environment experts predict that there will be a drastic increase in air pollution in the city after Diwali festivities, on account of the onset of the dry season and an increase in the sale of firecrackers this year.

City police commissioner Hiren Nath told TOI on Thursday that 700 retailers have been allowed to sell firecrackers at 30 designated places in the city, which is 100 more outlets than last year. Additionally, an official from the pollution control board of Assam (PCBA) said the dry season creates a tendency for an increase in particulate matter in the air.

"The dry season makes it more feasible for particulate matter to travel wider and faster. Aerial firecrackers like rockets could make matters worse. Last year we recorded a slight decrease as compared to 2015," said the official. Last year, a research team found that the emission of black carbon at the Lachit Nagar locality during 7 pm to 8 pm on Diwali was 35 micrograms per meter cube, a stark increase from the 18 to 20 micrograms per meter cube measured before Diwali.