The air quality data released by Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) for capital complex during Diwali period is shocking. It is for the first time that pollution control board has given detail information of how pollution spiked to a dangerous level during Diwali. This shows that air pollution is no longer an issue confined only to big cities. The Supreme Court order restricting the bursting of crackers during Diwali was not properly implemented in capital region. The district administration failed to implement the SC order. No one action was initiated against those who violated the SC order by bursting crackers way beyond the permissible time limit.
This was one of the cases but overall the capital complex is witnessing massive rise in pollution level. Day by day the air pollution is emerging as big threat. Growing number of vehicles and large scale construction activities is contributing to massive rise in air pollution. The ongoing Itanagar-Banderdewa four lane highway constructions have severely affected the air quality. The deteriorating air quality is posing serious health threat to the denizens of capital. The APSPCB should intervene and issue necessary instructions to PWD and contractor in this regard. The water pollution is another issue which is emerging as huge health concern for the people of twin town of Itanagar and Naharlagun. Most of the rivers flowing through twin town are heavily polluted. The drains are directly released on these rivers without proper treatment. Also in several areas the residents dump household garbage on the rivers. The capital administration as well as APSPCB should treat pollution as serious issue and work out a long term strategy to tackle it.