New Delhi:

Delhi’s air quality on Dussehra this year was worse compared to the previous two years, primarily due to the festival falling at the end of October, according to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

The analysis revealed that the average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi on Dussehra, which was celebrated on Tuesday, stood at 101 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to 89 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 and 93 micrograms per cubic metre in 2021.

Dussehra was celebrated on October 5 in 2022 and on October 15 in 2021.

Several incidents of firecracker burning were reported in parts of Delhi on Tuesday.

In keeping with the practice of the last three years, Delhi had announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers within the city last month.

A public awareness campaign, “Patakhe Nahi Diye Jalao”, will soon be reintroduced to discourage firecracker burning.

Unfavourable meteorological conditions and a combination of emissions from firecrackers, paddy straw burning and local sources of pollution contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR around Diwali every year.

One of the primary factors responsible for Delhi’s worse air quality on Dussehra this year is the festival’s late timing in October, when meteorological conditions favour pollution build-up, said Sunil Dahiya, an analyst at CREA.

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Lucknow:

As per the intention of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is making arrangements to provide uninterrupted power supply to people across the state during the upcoming festivals of Dussehra, Dhanteras, and Diwali.

The department has issued the necessary directives to the concerned officers and Discoms to ensure this. Dr Ashish Kumar Goyal, the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, has said, “Uninterrupted electricity supply to Uttar Pradesh will be ensured on the occasion of these major festivals.”

He mentioned that for the ongoing Navratri festival, stringent directives have been issued to improve electricity supply across the state and to ensure that all areas receive electricity as per the fixed schedule.

The officials responsible for electricity distribution have been instructed to maintain an uninterrupted power supply from sunset to sunrise. Managing directors of Discoms, chief engineers, and officials of the Electricity Corporation have been specifically instructed to ensure electricity supply to Shakti Peethas and religious places according to the prescribed schedule during Navratri, in line with the state government’s objectives.

Furthermore, officials are urged to exercise vigilance in their respective areas and promptly address any disruptions in electricity supply at the local level to minimize inconveniences, he added.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of taking all necessary precautionary measures, particularly in addressing issues such as dilapidated or hanging wires and cables. Address complaints related to voltage fluctuations and low voltage. In the event of unexpected power breakdowns, it was advised to proactively organize an adequate number of repair teams to restore power supply. Additionally, complaints received through toll-free numbers should also be resolved promptly.

Instructions were also issued to set up special control rooms at both the Discom and district levels to ensure that all arrangements are made for uninterrupted power supply. Furthermore, it was directed that in areas where processions or gatherings for idol immersion are anticipated, officers should conduct on-site inspections to enhance the entire electrical system, thus minimizing the risk of electrical accidents and ensuring a safe environment for public events, he further informed.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)