Uttarakhand has intensified measures to control air pollution after Diwali fireworks pushed Dehradun’s Air Quality Index (AQI) above 300. Authorities are now focusing not only on monitoring pollution levels, but also on reducing dust and other emissions at their sources.

According to air-quality monitoring by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, Dehradun recorded an AQI above 300 on Diwali. However, the state’s average readings from one to 8 November showed that air quality in most cities remained in the moderate category. Nainital and Tehri recorded AQI levels below 100 during that period.

Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Dr Parag Madhukar Dhakate said pollution increased during Diwali, while air quality in several cities remained within the normal range.

Dust control becomes the priority

After the festival, officials have placed particular emphasis on dust from roads, construction activity and open areas. Dust carried into the air contains fine particles, including PM-10 and PM-2.5, which can affect air quality.

The relevant departments have been instructed to take steps to limit the spread of dust. Municipal corporations and district panchayats have been asked to strengthen cleaning operations and prevent accumulated dust from becoming airborne.

The approach marks a shift from responding only after pollution levels rise to controlling sources that contribute to poor air quality. Officials are also emphasising improved cleaning systems, the use of machinery and public awareness.

Mechanical machines used on roads

Alongside conventional cleaning methods, mechanical dust collection machines are being used on roads. These machines collect dust accumulated on road surfaces and help reduce the amount released back into the air during cleaning.

Their use is intended to remove roadside dust and fine particles more effectively in urban areas. The wider plan is to improve cleaning operations while addressing a major source of particulate pollution.

Winter may increase the challenge

The Pollution Control Board expects winter to create an additional challenge. Falling temperatures can lead to temperature inversion, a condition in which pollutants remain in the atmosphere for longer.

Officials are therefore stressing continuous air-quality monitoring and the effective implementation of pollution-control measures by the departments concerned. The focus is on preventing pollution sources from worsening air quality as winter conditions develop.

For residents, the immediate relevance is that pollution-control work is moving beyond the collection of AQI data. Road cleaning, dust management and monitoring will form the main parts of -Diwali response described by the authorities.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand’s -Diwali pollution response is centred on controlling road and construction dust, using mechanical collection machines and maintaining air-quality monitoring ahead of winter. Dehradun’s AQI crossed 300 on Diwali, while average readings in most cities from one to 8 November remained moderate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happened to Dehradun’s AQI on Diwali?

Dehradun’s AQI crossed 300 on Diwali after pollution increased because of fireworks.

Q. What pollution sources are authorities targeting?

The focus is on dust from roads, construction activity and open areas.

Q. Which particles are being targeted?

Authorities are seeking to control PM-10 and PM-2.5 particles.

Q. How are mechanical dust collection machines being used?

The machines collect dust from roads and help prevent it from spreading back into the air during cleaning.

Q. What winter condition could worsen pollution?

Temperature inversion during colder weather can keep pollutants in the atmosphere for longer.