Analyzing Air Quality Index (AQI) during the period of burning of the effigies of Narkasur, it would be pertinent to note the air quality during this period depends on firstly the emission of greenhouse gases due to the burning of effigies which is the major source of pollution as huge quantities of even particulate matter is emitted during the burning. Incomplete combustion leads to emission of carbon monoxide. Also, the internal combustion engines of the four wheelers that ply as people ride in two wheelers further add to emissions. Compounding these two factors is the fact that firecrackers are also burned which finally lead to peaking of the air quality index. As the emissions disperse, air quality in the vicinity improves. Since especially in the urban areas the tree cover is not very dense, the carbon dioxide emitted is not absorbed by the leaves of the trees further aggravating pollution. If these three events have occurred simultaneously, the air quality at that time will be the worst. This explains why the AQI average was 133 and peaked at 216 leading to poor air quality in Panaji, the worst in the last six years.
ELVIDIO MIRANDA, Via email
