Alarming PM10 Levels At Nal Stop & Swargate; PM2.5 Increases 70% In Five Years CPCB Blames Civic Bodies For Condition
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has sounded the death knell to 94 cities in the country where pollution levels are not meeting the set standards. Topping the chart are Maharashtra with 17 cities, including Pune, and Uttar Pradesh with 15 cities.
The board has pinned the blame on civic bodies for “not sharing responsibilities” to curb air pollution. “If civic bodies can provide clean water, why can’t they provide air,” CPCB questioned, while referring to the list of 94 cities and districts that was tabled in Parliament earlier this month.
Speaking to TOI, Dipankar Saha, additional director, head of Air Laboratory and Air Quality at CPCB, analysed the data of cities which crossed the dangerous PM10 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels between 2011and 2015.
Based on the ambient air quality monitoring, the data of 22 ‘non-attainment’ states which have failed to meet the prescribed parameters was compiled by the board. “Any parameter which is not within the prescribed parameters for five consecutive years is referred to as non-attainment,” said Saha.
The data reveals that NO2 levels were dangerously high in three districts in Maharashtra — Pune, Badlapur and Ulhasnagar. The board has blamed encroachments and haphazard parking for high NO2 emissions in urban areas. “Slower the traffic, higher the unburnt emissions from vehicles. Local authorities should ensure free movement of traffic to avoid toxic emissions,” said Saha.
According to CPCB, unscientific disposal of solid waste has led to major air pollution in almost all 94 cities. There is not a single city which meets the standards for PM10. “Construction activities without mitigation measures and open burning are responsible for increasing PM10 levels,” said Saha.
Based on this list, the board is preparing an action plan, added Saha.
Source : TOI
