8 Apr 2019
According to India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) “As Delhi continued to grapple with rising air pollution, air quality dropped and the Delhi pollution level slipped into the ‘very poor’ category on Diwali night.”
Station operators and service engineers from Acoem (formerly Ecotech) Monitoring Solutions (AMS) were on call 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted air quality monitoring services throughout Diwali.
“A thick haze engulfed the city as people continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court.” – NDTV.com
Inspired by the Acoem new year “Stop Wishing, Start Doing” campaign, Acoem India & Monitoring Solutions (AMS) took a lead role.
In November 2018, while the population of India was engrossed in Diwali celebrations, AMS station operators and service engineers throughout India were available 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted operation of Acoem Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS).
Their efforts were particularly important in the National Capital Region (NCR) – a critical zone at very high risk of air pollution during Diwali. The aim was to ensure the availability of authenticated data greater than 98%.
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is India’s largest and most significant festival. Families plan elaborate five-day celebrations and businesses across the country remain closed during the festival.
Firecrackers are set off in huge quantities adding to existing high pollution levels with more smoke.
Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in India, suffers considerably during this period, and the situation is exacerbated by agricultural stubble burning in the neighbouring state of Punjab.
Station operators and service engineers from Acoem Monitoring Solutions (AMS) were on call 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted air quality monitoring services throughout Diwali.