Sri Vijay Puram, Nov. 5: Air pollution is a major concern in today’s world, especially for people who suffer from respiratory health issues. Awareness about air pollution is important to inform citizens about the pollution caused by the use of firecrackers, which poses greater risks to the lives and health of vulnerable groups.
In compliance with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) order dated 23.10.2018 in the matter of O.A. No. 728 of 2015, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has taken various steps to control air pollution caused by the bursting of firecrackers by restricting the timing to two hours, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, during Deepawali.
As per the directions, the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) is carrying out short-term monitoring of ambient air quality and noise levels for the upcoming Deepawali festival. The monitoring programme is in accordance with the protocol of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi.
ANPCC has installed three monitoring stations at Aberdeen Bazaar, Dollygunj and Mithakari. These stations will operate for 15 days, commencing seven days prior to Deepawali (from 01.11.2026) and concluding seven days after Deepawali (up to 15.11.2026). The parameters to be monitored include Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅), metals such as Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni) and Arsenic (As) in PM₁₀, and selected metals/elements such as Aluminium (Al), Barium (Ba) and Iron (Fe) in PM₂.₅. Noise levels will also be monitored continuously on pre-Deepawali and Deepawali days.
This year, Deepawali falls on 08.11.2026, and ANPCC’s monitoring programme will extend from 01.11.2026 to 15.11.2026, ensuring data collection during the crucial seven days before and after the festival.
Ambient air quality is assessed through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which classifies air quality into six categories ranging from Good to Severe, helping citizens understand pollution levels and their potential health implications.
AQI: Possible Health Impacts
Good (0–50): Minimal impact.
Satisfactory (51–100): Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.
Moderate (101–200): Breathing discomfort to people with lung, asthma and heart disease.
Poor (201–300): Breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.
Very Poor (301–400): Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
Severe (>400): Affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases.
Based on the data recorded during the monitoring period, the AQI will be computed for each location. In the previous year (2025), the AQI was assessed as “Satisfactory” at both Aberdeen Bazaar and Dollygunj monitoring stations.
ANPCC continues its efforts to maintain and improve air and noise quality during the festive season, ensuring a safe, clean and healthy environment for the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.