Chandigarh Beats Delhi in Pollution Levels. PM 2.5 Three Times Permissible Limit

Representative Image

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

Ratisha: A woman with varied interests, from geeky technology to serene poetry, but with a solitary passion to play with words. Ratisha is educated in sociology, psychology and human rights, that has sensitized her well to talk about all topics of human concern. She has been writing for many nationally and internationally acclaimed e-magazines and news portals including The Huffington Post, (United States) among others. When not writing, she is either found brushing strokes on a canvas or peering through her glasses into a novel.
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