Slight increase in Delhi’s pollution during Diwali-week

NEW DELHI - There was a marginal increase in air pollution in the capital during the Diwali-week, the Delhi government’s pollution monitoring body said Saturday.

“Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide concentration have seen an increase during the week of Diwali in Delhi,” a statement by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) said.

The rise has been attributed to the increased use of firecrackers, besides the vehicular movement during the festive season.

DPCC monitored pollution levels at five locations - R.K. Puram, Mandir Marg, Punjabi Bagh, Civil Lines and Vasant Kunj.

Sulphur dioxide concentration was found to be well within limits on Diwali-eve and on Diwali night, but the concentration of particulate matter exceeded the limits at all locations.

The increase in pollutant levels observed on Diwali night was also because of the early onset of winter and easy conditions for smog formation. It is not just the crackers, an official said.