Majuli, the largest inhabited river island bounded by the river Subansiri to the north and mighty Brahmaputra River to the south, is one of the subdivisions of the Jorhat district, Assam. Erosion of the island is a continuous process since historical times and posses a significant concern.

Pollution from carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphate and suspended particulate matter due to ignition of fireworks during the festival of Diwali is well established. Although surface ozone exhibits high natural variability throughout the year, any short term enhancement in ozone levels coupled with high level of pollutants during Diwali might prove to be deadly for a large number of elderly people and children with heart and respiratory ailments. Despite this fact, very little study on surface ozone pollution during the festival of Diwali has been reported from India so far.