Indore: Experts alert double rise in pollution post Diwali

Indore: The festival of lights indeed brings celebration and happiness in abundance, but at the same time poses problems for patients with pulmonary diseases, especially those suffering from asthma.

With just a couple of days left before Diwali, doctors have already alarmed a double rise in pollution level in city and also, alerted people, especially the morning walkers to take preventive measures and avoid polluting or toxic crackers, as number of patients with pulmonary disease increases by 15-20 per cents after the Diwali.

Meanwhile, the temperature will go southwards and the pollution level will increase which may prove dangerous for children and elderly as crackers smoke contains potassium, sulphur and other harmful elements.

“People should be careful post Diwali, as the increase in pollution may put them on sick bed. Those going for morning walk should avoid morning time for a while, as early morning is the time when pollutants come to lower level due to low temperature,” Dr Ashutosh Sharma said.

The experts suggested that people can also opt for going on walk in evening for at least a month, as they will not get a fresh air to breathe in the morning and rather, come into contact with heavy pollution. Children and elders are more prone to the diseases and they need to take extra care post Diwali as increase in pollution also leads to asthma.

Echoing the same concern, director of regional pollution control board, RK Gupta, said higher concentration of pollutant is expected post Diwali. “Pollution from carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and suspended particulate matters due to ignition of fireworks during the festival would be seen. The exact rate of rise in pollution would be announced after Diwali only,” he said.

Both the state and central pollution control boards will monitor the air quality during and before Diwali. “Harmful chemicals like potassium nitrate, carbon and sulphur refused to escape into the air due to low temperature. So a delay in morning walk would be beneficial for morning walkers and it will also help them escape from falling sick,” Dr Salil Bhargava said.