Post Diwali, G’gram wakes up to ‘hazardous’ morning

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, November 8

The city resonated with firecrackers till midnight on Diwali and woke up to “hazardous” air quality, though the situation improved as the day progressed. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Gurugram was recorded at 512 micrograms per cubic meters at 6am on Thursday, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board. It improved to 242 after 10 am.

Having managed to keep retail and illegal sale of crackers from godowns on the city outskirts under check for more than 10 days, the district authorities couldn’t do much with smuggling of crackers on Diwali.

Several houses in city’s rural areas became mini-godowns with crackers being sold at exorbitant prices. In some places, crackers were delivered at homes. One such mini-godown owner said he had managed to sell a majority of his crackers from his home.

The district administration had designated eight places to burst green crackers. It did not mean much as green crackers were nowhere to be found.

The local police registered seven complaints, but had to soon give in.

“The police and administration ensured that there was no illegal sale of crackers, and kept tabs on all godowns. But complete enforcement of the directive is possible in a phased manner. The bursting of crackers was lesser than last year. Barring a few pockets, the situation was under control, especially in new Gurugram,” said police spokesperson Subhash Bokan.