HYDERABAD: Come Diwali, the air pollution levels are all set to shoot up due to sudden spurt in emissions from fireworks. And the less said better, if you are suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases.Several studies have indicated that air in the city is not fit to breathe. With the alarming rise in pollution levels expected in the next couple of days, lung infections are likely to increase. Hyderabad is already one of the top five most polluted cities in the country with high number of patients suffering from chest diseases. Experts say that there are high chances of increase in the blood pressure and cardiac diseases due to high noise levels on the day of Diwali.
According to State Pollution Control Board authorities, Diwali is certain to be a nightmare for those with respiratory issues. They estimate a 50 to 55 per cent increase in the air pollution levels in the city on the day of Diwali. “On a normal day we have 95 microgram per cubic meter of particulate matter (PM-10) and on the day of Diwali it will be around 145 to 150 microgram per cubic meter, which is more than 50 per cent increase in the air-quality level,” said P Veeranna, senior environmental scientist, TSPCB. The impact is likely to last for 24 hours.
Busy areas such as Paradise, Charminar, C.I.T.D. Balanagar and Uppal, that have recorded high PM-14, annual average levels, in the range of 135 micrograms per cubic meter to 145 micrograms per cubic meter. It is likely to increase to 160-170 microgram per cubic meter. This would fall in the ‘critical range’ as per the air quality classification system of the Central Pollution Control Board. During the winter, the tiny particulate matter PM 2.5 usually go up much beyond the safe standards.
“They go deep inside the lungs. Air toxics like benzene that is strong carcinogen have recorded levels above the permissible limit,” the official said. Assessment of aldehyde and formaldehyde (probable human carcinogen) at three locations in Hyderabad, year after year, reveals that the levels are highest in Mehdipatnam followed by Nagarjuna Circle and Lakdikapool. The levels have been recorded as high as 32.7 micrograms per cubic metre.
Prevent carrying inflammable articles like crackers in trains: SCR
Hyderabad: Speaking on the precautions to be observed during the Diwali season, South Central Railway, General Manager, Vinod Kumar Yadav instructed the all the Divisional Railway Managers(DRMs) of all six Divisions advised all the officials concerned to be alert and take necessary action to avoid stampede like situations and improve the systems to manage the rush of passengers in railway stations. He further instructed to ensure that carrying of Inflammable articles like crackers be prevented. He also instructed to conduct regular inspections to ensure quality drinking water in the railway stations and colonies in the ensuing rainy season. He further instructed the all DRMs to identify the flood affected spots especially in the coastal section.
Huge quantity of expired fire crackers seized during raids
Hyderabad: A huge cache of expired crackers was seized, and supervisor of a godown was arrested by the Yacharam police on Monday. During raids at a fire crackers godown owned by Edulakanti Paandu Goud at Chowdarpally, a huge quantity of expired crackers stocked up for sale, in violation of Explosives Act, was discovered. Supervisor of the godown Rayudi Viranjaneyulu has been arrested under section 9 (B) (1) (C) of Explosives Act and 112 cartons of expired fireworks and 229 cartons of loose crackers were seized from the godown. The main accused Goud is absconding and hunt is on to nab him, said Yacharam police.
Celebrate Safely this Diwali
‘Be Prepared’ before lighting fireworks
Purchase only authorized fireworks manufactured in India, available at licensed fireworks shops
Do not mix alcohol and fireworks
Purchase only the quantity that is required
Never light them indoors
Take precautions to protect your pets
Wear the right clothing, avoid nylon and silk cloths
Keep a bucket of water and water hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
Be considerate of your neighbors, family pets and the environment
Never throw, point or shoot fireworks towards people, pets, buildings or vehicles
Be Safe
Dial 100 and 101 immediately in the event of a fire and emergency
Always wear eye, hearing protection, and gloves
Never hold a baby in your arms when you are holding a sparkler
‘Be responsible’ when done
Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving
Make sure unused fireworks, matches, and lighters are out of sight and reach of children