Poor Air Quality and Firecracker-Related Injuries Plague Hyderabad After Diwali Celebrations

Hyderabad: Following a night of Diwali festivities, Hyderabad is grappling with a decline in air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the city reached a moderate level, registering at 171 post the festival.

The primary culprits behind the air quality deterioration were PM 2.5 and PM 10, with Particulate Matter levels spiking significantly. Data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) reveals PM 2.5 levels surged to 119, compared to the usual 35, while PM 10 levels witnessed a substantial leap from 85 to 188. Additionally, TSPCB recorded a moderate increase in Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen oxide levels.

Noise pollution also escalated during Diwali, particularly in residential areas. The TSPCB measured the change in decibel levels, noting an increase from 56.60 dB on November 6 to 59.3 dB on Diwali night. Conversely, commercial areas experienced decreased noise levels during the day and an increase at night, with the decibel level rising from 65.80 dB to 67.2 dB.

The aftermath of Diwali brought challenges for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) Enforcement, Vigilance, and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing. On Sunday night, they received 26 fire-related complaints from various locations across the city. The Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams, strategically stationed, promptly responded to these incidents.

Complaints originated from areas including Jeedimetla, Bharat Nagar, Yousufguda, Salarjung Museum, Ziaguda, Begum Bazar, Kothapet, Balapur, Jubilee Hills, Miyapur, Kondapur, KPHB Colony, Nallakunta, Nagole, Upperpally, Manikonda, Sanathnagar, Kushaiguda, Punjagutta, Nallagatla, Rajendra Nagar, Chilkaguda, Ganga Bowli, and other regions.

In a concerning development, over 70 individuals sustained injuries in firecracker-related incidents over the past two days. Dr. B Vijayalakshmi, a cornea specialist at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, reported that 50 individuals, including 17 children, suffered injuries on Sunday alone. Seven adults with grievous injuries underwent surgeries on Sunday and Monday, with two more surgeries conducted on Monday. All patients are currently under observation.

Victims also experienced facial burns, including burns to lashes and lips, prompting attention from an eye hospital in the city. Dr. Vijayalakshmi emphasized the need for designated areas or open spaces for bursting firecrackers to prevent accidents and recommended parental supervision for children engaging in firecracker activities.