Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa is witnessing a worrying rise in air pollution following the Diwali festivities, with Panaji recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 174 on Monday night, signalling unhealthy atmospheric conditions.
The deterioration comes after two successive nights of firecracker celebrations across the State. While the timing coincides with the festive period, the exact reasons behind the increase in pollution have not been determined.
Figures published by AQI.in indicate that Goa’s AQI was approximately 137 on Sunday. The subsequent rise to 174 in Panaji points to a further decline in air quality.
The pollution spike was not confined to the capital. Curchorem, Aldona, Anjuna, Assagao, Ponda, Sanquelim and Verna were among the locations reporting unhealthy AQI readings. Cuncolim registered severe pollution levels, while Canacona remained in the poor category.
Compared with other major cities, Goa’s readings were relatively lower. Kanpur recorded an AQI of 542 and Delhi 446, both in the hazardous range. Bengaluru registered 234, categorised as severe, while Mumbai reported 183, falling in the unhealthy category.
Panaji also occupied the 163rd position in the live global ranking of polluted cities. The latest readings have raised concerns over the State’s air quality, particularly in the aftermath of the festive celebrations.
