Jharkhand Pollution Alert: Jharkhand’s celebrations have caused high levels of pollution. In Ranchi, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur, air quality deteriorated significantly After Diwali with high levels of particulate matter.
Ranchi had the worst levels of pollution with PM10 levels peaking at 472 micrograms per cubic metre between 8pm and 10pm. This is nearly five times higher than the 100 micrograms per cube permitted.
Dhanbad also had high levels of pollution with the AQI increasing past 300. Jamshedpur also had increased levels of air and noise pollution.
Ranchi Air Pollution: PM10 Levels Near 5 Times Higher Than Permitted
Ranchi had a significant increase in particulate pollution. Between 8pm and 10pm, levels of PM10 peaked at 472 µg/m³. This is far above the recommended 100 µg/m³ permitted within 24 hours according to India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
During this time, levels of AQI averaged around 200 putting it into the ‘Moderate’ category according to India’s AQI.
Pratibha Priya, Environmental Engineer with the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board said the levels spiked due to the smoke produced by fireworks.
AQI levels improved the next day with levels dropping below 150. However, this does not mean that there are no issues with air pollution. There are still contributing factors such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, road dust and industry.
Dhanbad AQI Spikes Past 300
Dhanbad had some of the most worrying levels of pollution during Diwali. The AQI increased past 300 in some areas. This puts it in the ‘Very Poor’ category according to India’s AQI.
PM2.5 levels peaked at 218 µg/m³. Noise pollution was also severe with the highest levels reaching 104.5 decibels. This shows how celebrating can cause issues outside of just your local area.
Jamshedpur AQI Up To 220
Jamshedpur also had significant levels of air pollution. AQI levels increased to 220 at Sakchi Golchakkar, while PM10 levels peaked at 220 µg/m³. Noise levels also peaked at 94.4 decibels.
AQI levels of 220 put this into the ‘Poor’ category according to India’s AQI. Long term exposure can cause breathing issues.
Silence Zone Noise Levels Are Too High
One of the most concerning results from the monitoring was the increase in noise pollution around hospitals. Monitoring took place at silence zones in Ranchi, these included Sadar Hospital, Devanika Hospital (Tupudana) and the pollution control board head office.
Levels of noise were:
- Sadar Hospital: 73.5dB
- Devanika Hospital: 71.4dB
- JSPCB Headquarters: 70.5dB
The maximum amount of noise permitted in silence zones at night is 40dB. This means at Sadar Hospital the levels were 83.75% above the limit.
What Does AQI Mean In India?
Air Quality Index measures the levels of different types of air pollution to give a single number so we can easily understand how polluted the air is.
There are 6 AQI levels in India:
- 0-50: Good – Little effect on health.
- 51-100: Satisfactory – May cause some breathing issues for sensitive people.
- 101-200: Moderate – May cause breathing issues for those with lung, asthma or heart issues.
- 201-300: Poor – May cause breathing issues after long exposure.
- 301-400: Very Poor – Can cause respiratory illness after long exposure.
- 401-500: Severe – Can cause health issues even for healthy people. Vulnerable people are put at risk.
This is why Dhanbad having an AQI over 300 is concerning. Jamshedpur also had an AQI of 220 meaning the air was unhealthy.
Jharkhand to Conduct Door-to-Door School Survey After Diwali: Who Will Be Covered?
PM2.5 Vs PM10 Particles: What Makes These Levels Dangerous?
Not all particles in the air are dangerous. PM10 particles are 10 micrometres or smaller and can get into our respiratory system causing irritation to the nose, throat and lungs.
PM2.5 particles are smaller than PM10 particles and can get further into our lungs. Some parts of PM2.5 can even get into our blood.
Fireworks produce a range of fine particles, gases and chemical compounds. This causes short term spikes in particulate pollution. If multiple fireworks are set off in a dense area, this can cause high levels of particulate pollution.
Did Air Quality Improve?
According to Live Hindustan, AQI levels in Ranchi dropped below 150 the day After Diwali. Overall air quality improved in major cities. However, on the 9th November 2026 it looks like there are still issues with pollution in some areas.
AQI levels increased to 336 in Hazaribagh, 325 in Dhanbad, 189 in Ranchi and 150 in Jamshedpur. These levels were taken from the AQI.in Dashboard.
Another report on the 9th November stated AQI levels in Ranchi were 193 in Sector 2, 191 in Deepatoli and 189 in Dhumsa Toli and Gandhi Nagar Colony.
This shows that pollution levels can vary depending on the area. You should check the latest levels.
How Can Residents Stay Safe?
Residents can take a few simple steps to stay safe as levels of pollution have varied across Jharkhand.
- Avoid exercising outdoors if the AQI levels are high.
- Avoid being outside for long periods of time, especially near busy roads and industry.
- If you must go outside, consider wearing an N95 mask that fits well.
- If pollution is very high outside, keep windows shut. When the air quality improves, ensure you have good ventilation.
- If possible, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter that is the correct size for your room.
- Avoid burning any waste, leaves etc.
- If you experience breathing issues, constant coughing or chest pain seek medical advice.
- Those with children, elderly people or those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues should take extra care.
