Air quality in Udham Singh Nagar’s Kashipur and Rudrapur deteriorated sharply after Diwali fireworks, with both cities recording pollution levels in the poor category. The AQI reached 246 in Kashipur and 232 in Rudrapur.

Before Diwali, both cities were in the moderate air-quality category. Pollution Control Board data showed that on 3 November, the AQI was 121 in Kashipur and 115 in Rudrapur. The readings later rose to the current levels after the festival.

Monitoring stations have been installed at L D Bhatt Hospital in Kashipur and the municipal corporation office in Rudrapur. These facilities are being used to measure pollution levels in the 2 cities.

Pollutant levels rise in Rudrapur

Rudrapur’s monitoring data shows a substantial increase in particulate matter and other pollutants between 1 November and 8 November.

  • On 1 November, PM 10 was 109.75, PM 2.5 was 54.50, nitrogen dioxide was 20.66 and sulphur dioxide was 14.20.
  • On 2 November, PM 10 was 115.23, PM 2.5 was 61.70, nitrogen dioxide was 24.63 and sulphur dioxide was 16.40.
  • On 3 November, PM 10 was 122.14, PM 2.5 was 64.40, nitrogen dioxide was 24.17 and sulphur dioxide was 15.89.
  • On 8 November, PM 10 reached 199.56, PM 2.5 reached 99.70, nitrogen dioxide was 30.78 and sulphur dioxide was 40.87.

Kashipur records a similar deterioration

Kashipur also recorded a significant increase in pollution indicators after Diwali. PM 10 rose from 121.17 on 2 November to 233.52 on 8 November, while PM 2.5 increased from 58.00 to 103.80.

Nitrogen dioxide in Kashipur stood at 22.11 on 2 November and 29.62 on 8 November. Sulphur dioxide increased from 12.02 to 46.70 over the same period.

On 3 November, Kashipur recorded PM 10 at 125.32, PM 2.5 at 66.40, nitrogen dioxide at 25.69 and sulphur dioxide at 18.04.

Doctors advise caution

Physician Dr. Ishwar Agrawal said air in the poor category can be dangerous for people with asthma and heart or lung conditions. He advised children, older people and patients with breathing problems to avoid morning and evening walks.

He also advised residents to wear masks when going outside and keep doors and windows closed at home. The warning comes as officials expect increased pollution to raise the risk of breathing-related illnesses.

Pollution Board continues monitoring

Pollution Control Board regional manager Dr. S.P. Singh said the AQI increase followed the fireworks and that the department was monitoring conditions continuously.

He said action was being taken against stubble burning, construction activity and the open burning of waste. The available figures show the sharpest deterioration between the pre-Diwali readings and the measurements recorded on 8 November.

Conclusion

Diwali-related pollution has pushed the AQI in Kashipur and Rudrapur into the poor category. Residents, particularly vulnerable groups, have been advised to limit outdoor exposure, use masks and follow pollution-control guidance while monitoring continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What was the AQI in Kashipur?

Kashipur recorded an AQI of 246.

Q. What was the AQI in Rudrapur?

Rudrapur recorded an AQI of 232.

Q. How was the air quality classified?

The air quality in both cities moved from the moderate category to the poor category.

Q. Which groups have been advised to take extra precautions?

Children, older people, people with asthma, lung conditions, heart conditions and breathing problems have been advised to take extra precautions.

Q. What steps are officials taking?

The Pollution Control Board is monitoring pollution and taking action against stubble burning, construction activity and open waste burning.