With Diwali approaching, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UPCB) has stepped up measures to monitor air and noise pollution across the state’s major cities. The board will conduct special air quality monitoring in eight cities for 15 days starting October 13, while noise levels will be assessed at three locations in each city for one week.

Historically, Diwali celebrations in cities such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, and Rishikesh have caused a spike in air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) falling into the poor to very poor category. 

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Particulate matter levels (PM-2.5 and PM-10) rise significantly above normal standards, while noise from fireworks often exceeds the prescribed limit of 55 decibels.

To address these concerns, the UPCB has activated its monitoring system to track air and noise quality before and after Diwali. Dr Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Member Secretary of the board, has issued directives to the regional offices in Dehradun, Roorkee, Kashipur, and Haldwani for the smooth implementation of the initiative.

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The cities under special air quality monitoring include Dehradun, Rishikesh, Tehri, Haridwar, Kashipur, Rudrapur, Haldwani, and Nainital, with noise assessments to be conducted at three points in each city from October 13 to 20. Data collected during the monitoring will also be shared with the Central Pollution Control Board.