APPCB steps up State-wide measures to curb air, noise pollution

The APPCB has ordered several government bodies to work together against air and noise pollution. District administrations, police, transport authorities and municipalities must enforce environmental rules and monitor pollution levels. The focus is especially strong during Deepavali, when cracker use can increase pollution and noise.

Collectors, Magistrates, police chiefs and municipal commissioners were told to create joint inspection teams. These teams must prevent the sale, transportation and use of banned firecrackers. Officials must also check air quality and noise levels in district headquarters and towns. The directions followed orders issued on October 16.

The Board also set limits for noise and restricted crackers near hospitals, schools and other silence zones. Only approved green crackers may be used where air quality is moderate or better, subject to court directions. These measures combine enforcement, monitoring and public participation to reduce pollution during celebrations.

PM10 means particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. PM2.5 means particles no wider than 2.5 micrometres. These particles can come from combustion, dust and other activities. The article uses both measures when reporting Deepavali air pollution in Visakhapatnam.

Their concentrations are commonly reported in micrograms per cubic metre. This tells us how much particle pollution is present in a given volume of air. PM10 captures larger inhalable particles, while PM2.5 focuses on smaller particles that can travel deeper into the lungs. Measuring both gives a clearer picture than using one size alone.

The APPCB recorded PM10 and PM2.5 levels during Deepavali 2025. Such measurements help officials compare pollution levels, identify serious episodes and decide where stronger controls may be needed. The article does not state specific health thresholds for the reported readings.

During Deepavali 2025, the APPCB’s monitoring in Visakhapatnam recorded a PM10 level of up to 238 micrograms per cubic metre. PM10 measures airborne particles no larger than 10 micrometres. The figure shows the highest PM10 concentration reported in the article for that monitoring period.

The same monitoring recorded PM2.5 levels of up to 138 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 covers much smaller particles, measuring no more than 2.5 micrometres. Both figures express particle concentration in a cubic metre of air, allowing pollution levels to be measured consistently.

These numbers provide a snapshot of air quality during Deepavali 2025 in Visakhapatnam. The article does not give readings for other towns, the exact monitoring locations or a comparison with ordinary days. The APPCB is now directing officials to monitor air quality and noise across the State.

The APPCB is limiting cracker use to green crackers approved by CSIR-NEERI in cities and towns where air quality is moderate or better. This rule applies subject to court directions. It creates a defined category of permitted products instead of allowing all conventional crackers.

Conventional crackers containing banned chemicals, including barium salts, are prohibited. Permitted packs must carry unique QR codes linked to their registration, licence and test certificates. These details give enforcement teams a way to check whether a product has been officially registered and tested.

The rule matters because firecrackers can add to air and noise pollution during Deepavali. The article does not quantify how much pollution approved green crackers reduce. It does show that the APPCB is using approval, chemical restrictions and traceable packaging to control which products may be sold and used.

People or businesses using loudspeakers without permission between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. face environmental compensation of ₹10,000. Authorities can also seize the equipment. The rule targets night-time noise, when the prescribed limits are lower and disturbance can affect silence zones and residential areas.

Diesel-generator violations carry compensation ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh. The amount depends on the generator’s capacity. Firecracker rules are also strict: banned crackers cannot be sold, transported or used, and firecrackers are prohibited within 300 metres of specified institutions and notified silence zones.

The article does not state a particular fine or punishment for firecracker violations. Instead, it describes joint inspection teams and enforcement by district officials, police, transport authorities and municipalities. It also says permitted cracker packs must have traceable QR codes, allowing officials to check compliance.

The article’s main permitted alternative to conventional crackers is the approved green cracker. These may be used only in cities and towns where air quality is moderate or better, and only subject to court directions. People can also choose celebrations without crackers to avoid adding their emissions and noise.

Any permitted cracker pack should carry a unique QR code linked to its registration, licence and test certificates. People should not use conventional crackers containing banned chemicals, including barium salts. They should also avoid crackers within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.

Noise limits must guide the celebration too. Loudspeakers require permission, and use without permission from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. can lead to compensation and seizure. The article does not name other specific alternatives, such as lamps or community events. It calls for environment-friendly celebrations and public participation.

PM2.5 particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Some can pass from the lungs into the bloodstream. Exposure may irritate airways and worsen breathing problems, while repeated or high exposure is associated with heart and lung disease. These health effects are established scientific knowledge beyond the article’s specific discussion.

Smaller particles are generally more dangerous because they can bypass some natural defenses in the nose and upper airways. They can reach the deepest parts of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs. Their tiny size also allows them to remain airborne longer and spread through indoor or outdoor air.

PM10 particles are larger, so more are trapped in the nose or throat, although they can still harm health. The article reports both measurements because they describe different particle sizes. Its Visakhapatnam readings reached 238 micrograms per cubic metre for PM10 and 138 for PM2.5 during Deepavali 2025.