Hyderabad: Following the ban on the sale of firecrackers in the NCR region by the Supreme Court, a similar order has been sought in the city to arrest the pollution level.
“We welcome this step as Diwali is a festival of light not sound. Hyderabad must incorporate something similar. We have tried to raise awareness in our colony,” said Major Shiva Kiran, a resident of Methodist colony.
PCB officials stated that Diwali adds several tonnes of pollutants to the air, making it difficult for sensitive groups to breathe.
Last year, PCB readings showed PM2.5 levels at 70-100 range in the city in November. “During the winter, air flow reduces. So, it will stay for longer,” said Professor BV Subba Rao.
However, some residents disagreed with the soft target set by PCB.
“The PCB has set a standard of 125 decibels for crackers. This is managed at the manufacturing stage,” said Ms Anju Nair, a resident of Gachibowli.
