Now, this really comes as a shocker. City beautiful is getting toxic and filthy. In 2016, Chandigarh residents were exposed to alarmingly high levels of PM 2.5 pollution. In fact, the pollution levels were higher than Delhi.
According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the particulate matter pollution was more than three times the permissible limits (40 µg/m3). Sources of PM 2.5 pollutants include emissions from coal power plants, transport, household pollution, waste, shipping and agriculture. Presently, the levels are under control due to bans on fire-crackers and stubble burning.
These microscopic particles can destroy vital organs of the body. Increase in PM 2.5 levels means a surge in heart and lung diseases (asthma and other respiratory illnesses). Acute respiratory infection cases in Chandigarh have shot up from 1 lakh in 2013 to 1.7 lakh in 2016 (approx. figures).
|
City |
PM 2.5 Pollution Level(in µg/m3) |
|
Chandigarh |
123 |
|
Delhi |
118 |
|
Asansol |
88 |
|
Durgapur |
74 |
|
Silvassa |
73 |
|
Kolkatta |
70 |
|
Panaji |
70 |
CPCB officials said that it was necessary to have PM 2.5 monitoring system in all cities. Only a few companies manufacture them, so acquiring them is a big problem.
(News Source – HT Chandigarh)
(Image Credits – Google Images)
Also Read: Automated AQI Monitor Coming – Know How Polluted Chandigarh is, 24X7