Port Blair, Oct. 18: As the sparkle of Deepawali draws near, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration is making sure the celebrations remain joyous — not hazardous to our lungs. With growing concern over air pollution and its impact on health, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments, a series of proactive steps have been rolled out to ensure that this festive season remains vibrant yet responsible.
In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Administration has restricted the use of firecrackers to just two hours — between 8 pm and 10 pm on Deepawali night. This measure aims to minimize air and noise pollution while allowing citizens to celebrate within environmentally safe limits.
To ensure effective monitoring, the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has initiated a short-term Ambient Air and Noise Monitoring Program aligned with the protocols of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi.
Three monitoring stations — at Aberdeen Bazaar, Dollygunj, and Chouldari — have been operational since October 13, and will continue until October 27, capturing air quality data seven days before and after the festival.
The parameters under close watch include Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and trace metals such as Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Aluminium (Al), Barium (Ba), and Iron (Fe). Continuous noise-level monitoring is also being conducted to assess the acoustic impact of festivities.
The collected data will be analyzed through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which categorizes air quality from Good to Severe, helping citizens understand pollution levels and related health implications. Notably, last year’s readings placed the AQI in the Satisfactory range at both Aberdeen Bazaar and Dollygunj — a positive sign that the islanders’ growing awareness and compliance are making a difference.
Reaffirming its commitment to clean air and public well-being, the ANPCC continues its efforts to promote a safe, clean, and joyous Deepawali — one where the glow of lamps outshines the smoke of crackers.
