For second successive year, Mysuru’s air quality during Deepavali was satisfactory

Mysuru's air quality during Deepavali festival remains satisfactory, with lower AQI attributed to green crackers, according to KSPCB data.

For the second successive year, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mysuru during Deepavali was satisfactory. The AQI was recorded below 100 as per the ambient air quality data generated from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) here.

The average AQI of 68 (satisfactory) has been recorded through continuous monitoring of air quality on all three days of Deepavali. If the AQI is in the range of 51-100, then it is considered satisfactory and the possible health impacts would be minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people, according to the KSPCB.

The air quality and noise levels in Mysuru were within the bearable limits. The results were a reprieve for the authorities here as there were apprehensions over the rise in air and noise pollution due to bursting of crackers.

Outside Bengaluru, the continuous ambient air quality was monitored in 26 stations (CAAQMS), including Mysuru, Madikeri, Chamarajanagar and Mandya.

The air quality was monitored before and during Deepavali festival. The pre-Deepavali AQI measured on October 24 was 40 whereas it was 68 on the first day of the festival (October 31), 66 on the second day (November 1), and 69 on the third day of Deepavali (November 2). The three-day average AQI was 68. There was a decrease in AQI when compared to last year’s average AQI which was 81.

According to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), which monitored the air quality and noise levels in the State before and during Deepavali, AQI during Deepavali festival in the current year was lower here when compared to the previous year.

One of the key reasons attributed for the improvement in air quality index was the use of green crackers that emit less pollutants.