Northern Indian states are under one of the worst pollution spells. The dust storms originating from Rajasthan has interfered with daily life. Air quality has dropped to such a level that health has begun to be adversely affected. From Chandigarh Airport, all 33 flights arriving and landing there were grounded due to low visibility.
Chandigarh Pollution Control Board has taken cognisance of the matter and issued advisory. Two days before Air Quality Index in Chandigarh was in satisfactory range which has suddenly shot up to severe range. It says that the PM-10 values are specifically very high infact 7-8 times higher than standard values. Similar is the case with PM-2.5. The AQI has gone up beyond 500 mark several times at various places which falls in severe category.
Chandigarh Pollution Control Board has issued an advisory considering how deteriorating air quality is affecting human beings, animals and plants.
The advisory says:
- All construction activities, including carpeting of roads be stopped for the time being.
- People are urged to not to smoke.
- Also, sand, soil and municipal waste must be carried in duly covered in trolleys and trucks.
- Players, atheletes, walkers and senior citizens should avoid excercises/walks during these days.
- Parents are advised not to let their children play outside.
- People are advised to carpool and use public transport and not to burn dry leaves, crop residue, wood, coal etc.
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The advisory further states that asthma patients or those facing issues related to heart, eyes and skin must preferably remain indoors and wear masks if stepping out.
A spokesperson of the board said according to the meteorological department, western disturbances are approaching northern India and rainfall is expected in a day or two, which will help clear this haze and dust.
Haryana also issued advisory for NCR region especially
In view of severe dust pollution, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) issued an advisory on Thursday that no construction activity could be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR).
Punjab Pollution Control Board Issues Advisory
It says that the PM-10 values are all times high i.e. 5-6 times higher than normal values. Similar is the case with PM-2.5. The Air Quality Index in Ludhiana was 443, in Amritsar it was 454, in Mandi Gobindgarh its was 440, Khanna 389, Patiala 403, Ropar 417, all fall in severe category of air quality, it said.
Considering it a ‘natural calamitic disaster‘, Punjab Pollution Control Board has issued an advisory considering how deteriorating air quality is affecting human beings, animals and plants.
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