Bhubaneswar: Before the celebrations of Diwali, air pollution levels in Bhubaneswar have surged sharply. Over the past week, Bhubaneswar’s air quality has been fluctuating between moderate and poor, with the situation worsening during evening hours. Experts fear that pollution levels may spike further as Diwali celebrations begin today.
According to data from the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), while air quality remains relatively satisfactory during late-night and early morning hours, it deteriorates significantly between 10 am and 10 pm. Continuous bursting of crackers in various parts of the city has already created a thick haze. From Rasulgarh to Jaydev Vihar, Patia, Hanspal, Chandrasekharpur, Infocity, Palasuni, Old Bhubaneswar, and Khandagiri, the air is turning increasingly toxic as residents continue to set off fireworks despite the government’s directive to use only green crackers.