Nagpur: The ambient air quality index (AQI) of Nagpur on Monday, plummeted to the poor category a day after Diwali celebrations, catapulting the city to the league of Indias most-polluted cities, with an AQI worse than Mumbai, but slightly better than Pune.With Nagpurs air quality poorer than Mumbai, which is bigger in size and population, questions were raised if the time cap on crackers or green fireworks had any impact on the worsening atmospheric conditions even as the city was shrouded in smog and smoke once fireworks set off in the evening.Besides crackers, the possibility of cold weather preventing diffusion of pollutants from thermal power plants was not ruled out.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCBs) 4pm bulletin on Monday displayed Nagpurs AQI at 207 — collated on a 24-hour average from four monitoring stations. CPCB data put Mumbais air quality collated from 24 stations at a better position at 193, while Pune hit rock bottom with an AQI of 262.We also published the following articles recentlyNagpur has blast on Diwali, air quality worse than MumThe air quality in Nagpur declined to the poor category after Diwali celebrations, making it one of Indias most-polluted cities. Despite being smaller in size and population, Nagpurs air quality was worse than Mumbais but slightly better than Punes. The possibility of crackers and cold weather preventing the diffusion of pollutants from thermal power plants were considered as factors contributing to the poor air quality. Comparison with Mumbais air quality was deemed unfair due to its larger size and the advantage of sea wind and land breeze for pollutant dispersion.Muradpur AQI worst as air quality deteriorates in cityThe air quality in Patna has worsened, with the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) of the winter recorded at 265. Several monitoring stations across the city reported high AQI levels, with Muradpur being the highest at 323. The Central Pollution Control Board states that an AQI above 300 is considered very poor and can lead to respiratory illnesses. To combat this, the Patna Municipal Corporation has implemented measures to control construction activities, including the use of anti-smog guns and sprinkler machines. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board is also organizing street plays to raise awareness about air pollution.6 out of 7 Kolkata AQI stations now show poor air qualitySix out of seven air quality monitoring stations in Kolkata recorded poor air quality on Thursday, with one station reaching the very poor category. Prolonged exposure to very poor air quality can cause respiratory problems. The Fort William station had moderate air quality due to its proximity to the river and green surroundings. However, even the green zone of Rabindra Sarobar saw a decline in air quality. Scientists warn against fireworks during Diwali and advocate for compliance with the Supreme Courts two-hour limit. A recent study predicts that the extensive burning of crackers may worsen air quality this year.

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