That, at least, is what the statistics provided by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board show; officials attribute drop to use of CNG and stricter vehicular norms
That, at least, is what the statistics provided by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board show; officials attribute drop to use of CNG and stricter vehicular norms
While Mumbaikars continue to cough and complain about the air pollution in the city, there's a fact that might get one coughing even louder in disbelief this time.
According to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the air pollution in the city has reduced.
The MPCB is celebrating, as they report that the level of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) has reduced considerably.
Officials from MPCB report that the pollution levels in the city have reduced in the city and areas like Mulund and Sion, which had the highest levels of air pollution, have also seen a decrease.
According to National Ambient Air Quality Standardsu00a0 the permissible limit of RSPM is 100 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air). However, this year, the level of RSPM recorded in Bandra was 87.07 ug/m3 compared to 2010, when it was 115.44 ug/m3.
Mulund recorded a decrease to 110 ug/m3 from 163 ug/m3 in 2010 while in Sion it reduced to 169.45 ug/m3 from 205.29 in 2010.
Three years back, the RSPM levels in the city were at an all-time high but, owing to the increase in usage of compressed natural gas (CNG) and implementing stringent norms, the levels have reduced (see box).
A senior MPCB official said, "The air pollution levels have decreased because of CNG and because of old vehicles being taken off the roads.
The RSPM levels in the city were also high because of the construction sites as well as the several ready-mix concrete plants in the city."
The official added, "Other than RSPM and SPM (suspended particulate matter), levels of sulphur dioxide and other dangerous gases has also reduced."
BMC's campaigns
Meanwhile, the BMC's dust-free campaign is on schedule and, with the help from MPCB and National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), they have been working to make the city green and healthy.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Rajiv Jalota said, "There are various environmental issues in the city, one being air pollution.
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We are planning to study and analyse the causes and preventive measures with the different agencies. Although the RSPM levels have reduced, it is still a matter of concern and we are tackling the issue head on."
He added that in the coming week, the BMC will be holding a meeting with MPCB and NEERI for further discussion on the subject.
Drop in RSPM
The reason for decrease in RSPM levels may be the implementation of stricter vehicle emission norms and commensurate fuel quality and use of cleaner fuels.
Pollution factors
The extent to which factors contribute to the particulate matter that pollutes the air in the city:
Construction activity, including paved and unpaved road dust: 38%
Power plants: 20.99 %
Landfill burning: 10.84%.
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDV): 3.42%
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