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Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 14
The local Met Department has said dust will continue to envelop the tricity till Friday night. It has predicted rain either on June 15 or 16, which will dissipate the dust.
“Dust/hazy conditions are prevailing in most parts of Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh, and parts of Punjab except northern districts,” said the department. “The visibility was around 2,000 metre during the day. It improved to 3,000 metres by 3.30 pm. The weather was hazy,” said the Director, Met Department, Chandigarh, Surender Paul.
Pollution in figures
On June 13, the (particulate matter) PM2.5 was 98 microgram per cubic metre on an average, while on June 14, it jumped to 505 microgram per cubic metre on an average in Panchkula in the evening. There was a rise of over 415 per cent. The highest hourly average concentration was at 11 am on Thursday at 780 microgram per cubic metre.
It was 50 microgram per cubic metre on June 10, 40 microgram per cubic metre on June 11 and 39 microgram per cubic metre on June 13.
The 24-hour standard value of PM2.5 is 60. So, on June 14, it was over eight times the standard value. “The concentration of PM2.5 started rising from June 13 around midnight and reached the peak around noon on June 14. After that it shows a slight decline,” said Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Associate Professor, PGI.
The PM2.5 are harmful as they can reach the lungs directly.
Dr Khaiwal said, “The PM2.5 can cause dust allergy. Fine particles are well-known for causing respiratory discomfort to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Those who have dust allergy or a compromised immune system should avoid going out. Wash your hands and face properly after coming from outside.”
“Those will allergies, bronchitis, asthma and lung fibrosis should stay indoors. In case patients have to go out, they should wear masks,” said Dr D Behra, Pulmonary Medicine, PGI.
CAUSE AND EFFECT
“During hot weather, soil becomes loose. Due to dust storms, with a speed of around 40 km/hr, dust has risen in the region, including Chandigarh,” said Chandigarh Met Director Surender Paul.
As a result, the maximum temperature has come down to 39.6°C,
but the minimum temperature was higher at 32.8°C, eight degrees above normal, said Paul. The maximum temperature on Wednesday was 42.3°C.
Air in region still
The air is still in the region because at a height of 3 to 4 km, there are anti-cyclonic conditions, which are preventing the movement of air. It is hindering convection,” he said. The weather department has predicted that the present conditions will dissipate in view of the approaching western disturbances. “There is a likelihood of rain on June 15 night or June 16 due to the western disturbances. The dust will settle down after that,” he said.
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