Gurugram’s air quality deteriorated sharply after Dussehra fireworks, with the Air Quality Index reaching 205 in the city and 235 in Manesar on Wednesday morning, prompting inspections by the Pollution Control Board and a health advisory for residents.
Both readings fall in the ‘poor’ category, according to an official cited by Millennium Post. Gurugram’s AQI had been recorded at 132 just two days earlier, representing a rise of 73 points within 72 hours. By Wednesday evening, readings ranged between 157 and 193.
Manesar’s air quality has remained above 200 for the fourth consecutive day. The deterioration comes ahead of Diwali, when higher firecracker use could further increase particulate pollution. Environmental experts cited in the report warned that the AQI could cross 400 and enter the ‘severe’ category if the situation is not controlled before the festival.
The Meteorological Department attributed the difficult dispersion conditions to reduced wind speeds of between 5 and 8 kilometres per hour and falling temperatures. In these conditions, fine particulate matter can remain suspended close to the ground, forming a layer that restricts the movement of pollutants from the air over the city.
The Pollution Control Board has started an inspection drive, including checks at firecracker storage and sale locations. A team inspected a firecracker warehouse in Chandu village and sent samples to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, or PESO, for examination.
Harish Sharma, Regional Officer of the Pollution Control Board, said all firecracker warehouses would be inspected, with police personnel accompanying the teams. The authorities said only ‘green’ firecrackers carrying specific identification marks would be permitted for sale.
The inspections place firecracker storage and compliance under scrutiny while the city is already experiencing poor air quality. The report did not provide the number of warehouses inspected or specify the findings from the samples sent to PESO.
The health department’s advisory said prolonged exposure to poor-quality air could cause respiratory problems and eye irritation. It recommended that residents avoid morning walks and wear masks, particularly while the pollution remains elevated.
The immediate administrative response combines pollution monitoring, warehouse inspections and public-health guidance. Further action will depend on the inspection findings, the PESO sample results and air-quality conditions as Diwali approaches.
