City’s air not so healthy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 16

The pollution level in the city is above the permissible limit. According to the data provided in the State of Environment Report - 2018, which was released today, the RSPM (PM10) level has been observed above the permissible limit.

The average RSPM level was observed at 107 µ/m3 in 2017 while it remained at 105 µ/m3 in 2018, which is higher than the permissible limit of 60 µ/m3.

The average PM 2.5 level has also witnessed an increasing trend. It was above the average level of 40 µ/m3 at five places in the city. It was the highest in the Industrial Area at 58 µ/m3.

SOx and NOx levels in air of the city are well below the permissible limit.

As per the reports, the possible reasons behind high RSPM are burning of dry leaves, increasing number of vehicles and road dust re-suspension.

Other reasons included crop harvesting seasons, effect of pollens due to lush greenery and temperature. RSPM are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility. The smaller the particles the more harmful for residents as they can enter deeper into the lungs. They increase the chances of lung diseases, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Air quality parameters to be monitored on real-time basis

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore inaugurated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in front of the Department of Public Health near the Panjab University campus in Sector 25 here. It has been installed by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee.

Through this system, various ambient air quality parameters can be monitored online on real-time basis. Badnore also inaugurated Vanamahotsava on the Panjab University campus.

The Administrator also inaugurated “Paudh Mela” in the parking area of Sukhna Lake. On this occasion, Debendra Dalai, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT, said Vanamahotsava was celebrated every year to create awareness among stakeholders.

Recommendations of the report

• A coordinated approach in consultation with state governments of Punjab & Haryana may be adopted to ensure implementation of the Punjab New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952 and stop further expansion of satellite towns by PUDA & HUDA.

• Commercial areas may be augmented with concept of multi-level parking.

• Use of paver block judiciously and space must be provided around trees.

• Mass Rapid Transport System may be executed in conjunction with satellite towns.

• Re-carpeting of roads must be done after scratching old layers.

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