Post-Diwali, city air is still ‘poor’

Diwali may have ended, but its effects are still looming over the city. Though air quality has improved by few points, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), on Saturday Mumbai recorded a ‘poor’ air quality level with an air quality index (AQI) of around 240, which is categorised as ‘Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals especially children and the elderly.’

Vashi student turns saviour, helps 79 birds during Diwali

Even as his family and friends were busy celebrating Diwali, a 23-year-old Vashi resident was busy attending to his feathered friends. In the last three days, Nikhil Kolekar, an MBA student, has rescued 79 birds that were taken ill caused from pollution by firecrackers.
Mr Kolekar had started a bird rescue helpline in 2008 despite opposition from his family.
“I have rescued 79 birds this Diwali. Most of the injured birds were pigeons and woodpeckers. Unlike eagles or cows, these birds have weak hearts. So, the pollution created from fire crackers affects their breathing system and they fall down,” said Mr Kolekar.

Smog caused by Diwali crackers leaves Amdavadis... - Out of breath

Heavy metals suspended in airafter Diwali leads to 20 per cent rise in number of patients suffering fromasthma, allergies and pulmonary problems

Come Diwali, everyone bursts crackers and celebrates with family and friends. Many feel the heat of this festivity the next day when toxic smog released by the crackers blankets the city and tortures the lungs of people suffering from respiratory and heart ailments.

“Post-Diwali, we see a rise of 20 per cent in number of patients suffering from respiratory ailments and asthma,“ said Dr Rajesh Solanki of pulmonary medicine department at BJ Medical College.

According to data provided by 108 emergency service, cases of allergy, cardiac arrest, respiratory problems and stroke have risen this year. “In 2013, 89 cases were reported. This soared to 102 cases this year.There has been 14.6 per cent rise in the number of respiratory problems this Diwali compared to last year,“ they said.

For them, it's duty before Diwali

Diwali is fun performing puja, bursting crackers, lighting diyas, and sharing goodies with family and friends.Rupsa Chakraborty takes a look at professionals who sacrifice this joy in the name of duty to keep Amdavadis safe

DIVYA DESAI, 23

108 SERVICE EMPLOYEE

It has been four years since Divya cel ebrated Diwali with her family.“Every Diwali, I work from 8 in the morning to late evening. Though I do not regret it because it is my duty,“ she says.While anyone would resent the lack of leave during such an important festival, Divya takes it in her stride. “I might not be able to celebrate with family and friends, but I receive blessing that are far more valuable.“

She adds, “During this time, several clinics are closed. Patients do not know where to go or what to do. They turn to us for help and it gives us pleasure to be able to take away their worries and pain. They bless us with all the love in their hearts. What more can I ask for?“

BOND WITH BLOOD, MAKE DIWALI SPECIAL

Blood banks and hospitals face gapof 80% in the supply and demand of blood during the festive season as emergencycases go up by 45%

The festival of lights, which is celebrated with extraordinary fer vour in the city, also accounts for the highest number of emergency cases.During the period, the number of medical emergencies goes up by 45 per cent leading to an increase in demand for blood. Sadly though, during the six days of Diwali festivities, blood banks and hospitals see an 80 per cent gap in the demand and supply of blood.

Rashita, a 12-year old, suffered major burns while bursting crackers with her friends last Diwali. She needed AB -ve blood and to add to her trauma, it was not easily available as most registered donors were away on a vacation. If one analyses the data of 108 Emergency Service, the emergency cases this Diwali is likely to increase by more than 3,000 compared to last year. Similarly, most hospitals in the city witness a rise in the number of medical emergency cases like trauma, assault, burns and infections.

AS AMDAVADIS THRONG CRACKER SHOPS AHEAD OF DIWALI, IT'S TIME TO KNOW... - EXPLOSIVE TRUTH

Most cracker shops are a disasterwaiting to happen as vendors operate without licence and ignore fire safetymeasures putting lives at risk

Take any road through the city and it is a common sight to see Amdavadis crowding cracker shops, be it permanent ones or makeshift larris. Overnight, hundreds of these shops have cropped up but only 22 vendors have received temporary licence to sell crackers in the city. The others blatantly violate fire safety regulations, turning the usually residential area they are set up in into a ticking bomb.