Home / Environment / Firecracker Smoke Chokes Agartala Air Post-Laxmi Puja
Firecracker Smoke Chokes Agartala Air Post-Laxmi Puja
27 Oct
Summary
- Agartala's air quality index reached 264 on Monday, classified as 'poor'.
- TSPCB attributes the deterioration to firecrackers from Laxmi Puja celebrations.
- Smoke became trapped in the lower atmosphere due to fog, worsening air quality.
Agartala, known for its clean air, experienced a significant drop in air quality on Monday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded was 264, falling into the 'poor' category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. This deterioration sparked concerns about the city's environmental health and raised questions about development practices.
The Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) identified firecracker emissions from the Laxmi Puja celebrations, which concluded on October 26, as the primary cause. Smoke from these pyrotechnics became ensnared in the lower atmosphere due to prevailing fog conditions.
This combination of smoke and fog significantly impacted air quality. As the day progressed, increased daylight and sunshine helped disperse the pollutants, leading to an improvement in air quality.