On Deepavali day this year, the city saw pollution levels going up, especially suspended particulate matter and noise pollution.
According to an official of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the ambient air quality and noise pollution levels were monitored at three locations: Kavundampalayam, Collectorate, and PSG College of Arts and Science on October 12 and October 18. The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter level (micrograms per cubic metre) was in the range of 34 to 57 on October 12 and it shot up to the range of 65 - 172 on October 18.
It was 121 last year. This is mainly because of bursting of crackers. The level is particularly high in Kavundampalayam.
Noise pollution was monitored at two places: Kavundampalayam and Collectorate. On October 12, the average decibel level was 61.7 at Kavundampalayam and it went up to 71.9 on Deepavali day. At the Collectorate it went up and came down from 69.2 to 65.9. This is because, bursting of crackers is more in residential areas compared to commercial centres in the city, the official added.
On October 12 and 18, the ambient air quality was monitored for 24 hours each day and for three parameters (Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and RSPM) and noise pollution from 6 p.m. to midnight.