Garbage burning during January and February has worsened the air pollution in the city.
One of the worst affected areas in the city was Karve Road, which saw extremely high toxicity of air throughout February.
According to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), 21 days during February witnessed air pollution higher than the permissible limit. The average density of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), or dust particles sized 2.5 microns, was 178.6 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) against the permissible limit is 100 µg/m3.
“This rise in pollutants will have adverse effects on the health of persons suffering from respiratory disorders,” air pollution expert and Project Director of System for Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Gufran Beig said.
According to Beig, in comparison to the last few years, the air quality recorded in Pune this year has been much worse. “The burning of garbage could have added to the deterioration,” Beig said.
Meanwhile, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has said that the civic body will ensure an end to the garbage burning menace within a week.
“We will stop garbage burning in a week’s time; that should help curb air pollution. Segregation is the only long-term solution,” said Head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department.
Source: Sakaaltimes, March‘6
