APPCB steps up State-wide measures to curb air, noise pollution

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has stepped up measures to curb air and noise pollution across the State, directing district administrations and police, transport and municipal authorities to enforce environmental regulations and monitor pollution levels, particularly during Deepavali.

In a recent communication to Collectors, Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, Municipal Commissioners and Police Commissioners of Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, the Board called for joint inspection teams to prevent the sale, transportation and use of banned firecrackers. It also directed officials to monitor air quality and noise levels in all district headquarters and towns, following orders issued on October 16.

The APPCB on Wednesday said its monitoring during Deepavali 2025 had recorded PM10 levels of up to 238 micrograms per cubic metre and PM2.5 levels of 138 micrograms per cubic metre in Visakhapatnam.

Only green crackers approved by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) will be permitted in cities and towns where air quality is moderate or better, subject to court directions. Conventional crackers containing banned chemicals, including barium salts, are prohibited. Permitted packs must carry unique QR codes linked to their registration, licence and test certificates, the Board said.

The prescribed noise limits (in dB(A)) are 75 during the day and 70 at night in industrial areas; 65 and 55 in commercial areas; 55 and 45 in residential areas; and 50 and 40 in silence zones. Daytime is from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and night-time from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Areas within 100 metres of hospitals, educational institutions and courts are designated silence zones, where honking is prohibited.

Firecrackers are prohibited within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions and notified silence zones.

Use of loudspeakers without permission between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. will attract environmental compensation of ₹10,000 and seizure of equipment. Compensation for diesel generator violations ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh, depending on capacity.

APPCB Chairman P. Krishnayya said public participation was essential for effective pollution control and called for environment-friendly celebrations.