Air turning bad even before Diwali: AQI 162 in Jaspur, 160 in Kashipur and above 140 in Rudrapur on Monday afternoon; people with breathing problems, elderly and children urged to take care

The air in the Terai-Bhabar region has begun to worsen even before Diwali. According to Hindustan, a private website's figures on Monday afternoon put the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 162 in Jaspur, 160 in Kashipur and above 140 in Rudrapur, while Haldwani was around 120. The report describes this as the unhealthy category. It attributes this to increased festive-season activity, vehicle movement, construction and dust, and pollution is feared to rise further after Diwali fireworks. People with breathing problems, the elderly and children have been told they need to take care. Anurag Negi, regional officer of the Pollution Control Board, said pollution in Rudrapur and Kashipur stays somewhat higher than in Haldwani because of industry there. Air and noise are being monitored through a third party in Nainital and Haldwani until November 15; the report does not mention such monitoring in Udham Singh Nagar towns.