Cuttack/Bhubaneswar: The twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar woke up to a blanket of thick smog and significantly deteriorated air quality following two days of Diwali celebrations. The extensive use of firecrackers has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to plummet into the ‘poor’ category, raising health concerns among residents.
Despite guidelines limiting the use of firecrackers to specific hours, many residents continued to celebrate late into the night, contributing to the dense smoke that enveloped the cities. The AQI in Bhubaneswar breached 200, a stark increase from the usual 60-70, while Cuttack also reported similar levels of pollution.
The pollution has also affected visibility on roads, causing disruptions in daily activities. Many residents expressed their concerns over the rising pollution levels and the need for stricter enforcement of firecracker regulations.
As the cities grapple with the aftermath of the celebrations, environmentalists are calling for more sustainable ways to celebrate festivals without compromising air quality and public health.
