Deepawali, Pollution and the Adverse Meteorology
If the Central Pollution Control Board is to be believed, though the Noise levels during Deepawali 2007 (November 9) were generally higher than Deepawali 2006 (October 21) possibly because of bursting of increased number of crackers, the Air Pollution levels were found to be higher this year “mainly because of the following adverse meteorological conditions” –
- Decrease in 24 hourly average temperature from 24.5°C on October 21, 2006 to 21.1°C on November 9, 2007
- Decrease in 24 hourly average wind speed from 0.29 m/sec on October 21, 2006 to 0.10 m/s on November 9, 2007.
- Decrease in 24 hourly average mixing height from 467 metre on October 21, 2006 to 301 metre on November 9, 2007
Further, according to the report adverse meteorological conditions are generally observed during beginning of winter season (November) and hence the adverse meteorological conditions on Deepawali day on November 9, 2007 where similar to one observed during Deepawali, 2004 (November 12, 2004) when similar type of high level of air pollutants were found on Deepawali day.
Apparently then (as per to the CBCB press release), Deepawali caused pollution this year since it came at the wrong time of the Year!
Click here to read the full press release.
