Ahead of Deepavali, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is all set to put up an additional ambient air quality monitoring unit in addition to two existing ones for monitoring air quality before, during and after the festival.

In addition, the noise pollution monitoring station at the office of KSPCB in Hebbal will keep a watch on the noise levels during the same period.

The additional unit for checking the levels of air quality will be put up near the government PU College at Kuvempunagar.

The results from all the units will be compiled and studied to find out the pollution levels during the festival.

Last year, there was no alarming rise in the air pollution levels here during the festival if the results of ambient air quality were an indication.

Though there was a slight increase in the concentration of parameters during the festival they were within the standards laid down under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for residential areas except for particulate matter in Kuvempunagar and K.R. Circle, according to the board.

The board attributed this to awareness against bursting firecrackers.

Interestingly, the board took to street plays to reach out its message of ‘Say no to firecrackers’, roping in 10 artistes belonging to Jana Jagruthi Grameena Abhiruddi Samsthe to carry its message across the district.

The board also conducted magic shows with the theme ‘firecrackers’ in schools. More than 30 schools had been covered. A documentary film to highlight the harmful effects of bursting firecrackers was also screened in schools to spread awareness.