Air quality worsens in city

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 20

The air pollution in the city is on the rise. As per the State of Environment Report-2016, released by UT Administrator and Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore today, the RSPM (PM10) level stood at 94.7 µ/m3 from January 2015 to December 2016, which is higher than the permissible limit of 60 µ/m3.

However, the air quality in the city is way better than most cities of the country. To check air quality, monitoring devices are placed at the PEC University; IMTECH, Sector 39; Industrial Area; Kaimbwala village and Sector 17.

The SOx and NOx level in the air of the city are well below the detectable limits, however, the RSPM level has been observed above the permissible limit. Possible reasons behind it are the burning of stubble in neighbouring states, presence of pollen due to the green cover, rise in population, increase in vehicular density and the presence of diesel vehicles.

The report has gathered a detailed information related to six important environmental issues- green cover, air, water, energy, sanitation and transportation.

The RSPM are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility. Smaller the particles, more harmful are these for health. They increase chances of lung diseases, asthma and other respiratory problems.

The report recommends a complete ban on diesel-based auto-rickshaws in the city to check the air and noise pollution, introduction of LPG-run auto-rickshaws and a check on the overloading of the public transport. It has also recommended the construction of underpasses and overbridges for a smooth flow of traffic.

Forest cover goes up 

• A remarkable increase has been witnessed in the forest cover of the city. The green cover has increased from 53 sq km to 58.04 sq km in the past two years. The city has 40.73 per cent of its area under the green cover. In the past 15 years, the green cover of the city has increased by more than 56 per cent. It stood at 26 per cent of the total area in 2001. 
• Moreover, as per the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee data, the level of PM 2.5 in 2017 ranged from 56 to 67 µg/m3.  Its prescribed limit is 40 µg/m3.  An official said its level was less than Delhi where it ranged from 93 to 141 µg/m3