Himachal Pradesh Celebrates Diwali with Cleaner Air, Louder Noise

According to the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB), the overall air quality in the state during this year's Diwali celebrations was largely "satisfactory" to "moderate", a marked improvement compared to the 2024 Diwali. The state capital of Shimla recorded the minimum Air Quality Index (AQI) of 57, while the industrial hub of Baddi saw the maximum AQI of 167, both falling within the "satisfactory" and "moderate" categories respectively.

However, the news was not all positive, as noise pollution levels in several towns, including Chamba, Una, Baddi, Rampur Bushahr, and Kullu, exceeded the permissible limits on Diwali night. This indicates an auditory impact, even as the air quality indices improved across the state.

While most towns showed significant improvement in air quality compared to the previous year, Dharamshala and Una recorded higher pollution levels, with AQI rising from 109 to 120 and 122 to 140, respectively. The HPSPCB attributed the overall improvement to lower industrial emissions and better public awareness, with the closure of many industrial units in Baddi and the use of green firecrackers contributing to the reduced pollution levels.