Dehradun’s air quality is beginning to worsen during the festive season, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Ghanta Ghar crossing 100. The area recorded an AQI of 140 on 6 November, while Nehru Colony registered 106.

The readings indicate that pollution levels could rise further over the coming days. Children, older adults and people living with respiratory problems may need to take particular precautions as the festive period continues.

Monitoring begins before and after Diwali

The Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board has started 24-hour third-party monitoring of the AQI. Readings are being collected at different locations during the week before and the week after Diwali.

The monitoring is intended to establish the city’s actual pollution situation through data collected across the period. It will also help assess changes in air quality at different locations before and after the festival.

The available readings show that Ghanta Ghar had a higher AQI than Nehru Colony on 6 November. Further measurements will indicate whether the difference between locations continues and whether pollution increases in the days ahead.

Why air quality may deteriorate

The weather is also affecting the movement of pollutants. As temperatures fall, moisture levels in the atmosphere rise, which can influence air quality.

Weather scientists said dry winds arriving from the northwest can meet easterly winds originating from the Bay of Bengal. When these air currents collide, wind speed can slow considerably.

Slower winds allow pollutants to remain concentrated in one area instead of dispersing quickly. This can contribute to a decline in air quality, particularly when other pollution sources are present during the festive season.

Weather outlook for Uttarakhand

The weather is expected to remain dry in the plains during Diwali, while temperatures are likely to fall in the hills. Light morning and evening fog in mountainous areas may add to the chill.

According to the forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre, light rain is possible in parts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh on 8 November. Snowfall is also expected in areas above 3300 metres.

Other districts are expected to experience dry weather. The forecast indicates similar conditions across the state until 11 November, followed by dry weather statewide on 12 November. Some mountain districts may see another weather change on 13 November.

Scientists said weather changes in mountainous and high-altitude areas can also affect temperatures in the plains. On Saturday, temperatures across Uttarakhand remained close to normal, and the daytime weather was relatively pleasant in the hills.

Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 28.6 degrees, which was 1.8 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was 15.5 degrees, or 3.3 degrees above normal.

Conclusion

Dehradun’s AQI readings at Ghanta Ghar and Nehru Colony show worsening air quality ahead of Diwali. Continuous monitoring over the period before and after the festival will provide a clearer assessment of pollution levels and help residents, particularly vulnerable groups, remain alert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What AQI was recorded at Ghanta Ghar?

Ghanta Ghar recorded an AQI of 140 on 6 November.

Q. What was the AQI in Nehru Colony?

Nehru Colony recorded an AQI of 106 on 6 November.

Q. Who should take extra precautions?

Children, older adults and people with respiratory problems should remain cautious as pollution levels may rise.

Q. What monitoring has the pollution control board started?

The Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board has begun 24-hour third-party AQI monitoring.

Q. How long will the readings be collected?

Readings are being taken during the week before and the week after Diwali.

Q. Why can pollutants remain concentrated?

Weather scientists said slower winds caused by the interaction of northwesterly and easterly air currents can prevent pollutants from dispersing quickly.

Q. What weather is expected in the plains during Diwali?

The plains are expected to experience dry weather, while temperatures may fall in the hills.

Q. Where is rain possible on 8 November?

Light rain is possible in parts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.

Q. What temperatures were recorded in Dehradun?

The maximum temperature was 28.6 degrees and the minimum temperature was 15.5 degrees.