Vijayawada records high pollution and noise levels as people burst fireworks

Vijayawada: Vijayawada witnessed high pollution and noise levels due to bursting of fireworks during the Diwali festival.

The AP Pollution Control Board authorities monitored ambient air quality at several places and found its level beyond the standards of National Ambient Air Quality.

Accordingly at Benz Circle, the ambient air quality was monitored on November 6 (pre-Diwali) and on November 12 and found PM10 to be 88 and 161 respectively against NAAQ standard of 100 micrograms per meter cube; PM2.5 at 40 and 62 against 60 micrograms per meter cube and noise levels at 74.4 and 89.7 against 55 decibels of NAAQ standard. At IMA Hall, PM10 found at 79 and 143, PM2.5 at 36 and 57 and noise level at 70.3 decibels and 84.4 decibels. At Yanamalakuduru, PM10 found at 69 and 151 and PM2.5 at 33 and 55 and noise at 67.9 decibels and 81.5 decibels against NAAQ standard of 45 decibels.

With regard to ambient noise standards, the PCB authorities monitored during day time from 6 am to 10 pm on November 12 and at night from 10 pm to 6 am of the next day. Accordingly, they found 75 decibels and 70 decibels respectively in Industrial Area; 65 decibels and 55 decibels in Commercial Area; 55 decibels and 45 decibels in Residential Area and 50 decibels and 40 decibels in Silence Zone.

The APPCB authorities maintain that the city witnessed high pollution and noise levels as the people burst fireworks.