This year, for a change, the city on Deepavali day was a more stress-free place to be in as strong winds helped disperse smoke and dust particles. The air pollution levels were not as high as last year. Triplicane recorded the highest levels of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) of 246 microgram/cubic metre as against last year’s 498 microgram/cubic metre at the same spot.
S.Balaji, Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) said noise levels were lesser by 8.2 per cent this year. “The levels of respirable suspended particulate matter at five stations had reduced between 32 and 57 per cent,” he said.
“The noise levels came down after 10 p.m.as residents followed a Supreme Court ruling ,” he added.
Many residents also said the spurt in prices of crackers led to their buying less. “We went to a cooperative store as rates outside were very high. Against my regular purchase of Rs.1500 I bought only for Rs.800,” said S.Kumar, a resident of Anna Nagar.
The high RSPM levels also affected those suffering from respiratory problems. Dr. K. Arun, a paediatrician with Neo Life Childrens Hospital in Madipakkam said that of 40 patients, he treated on Wednesday, around 10 suffered from wheezing due to smoke from fire crackers and 20 had colds and cough.
