Pollution Ready to Visit Temple Town

The New Indian Express , Monday, December 30, 2013
Correspondent :
The world-famous temple town of Tirupati, till date had not featured on the list of air pollution hot spots, but increasingly getting closer to be earn a place there, given the increasing levels of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM), which according to Pollution Control Board officials are showing above average levels.

According to Tirupati PCB Environmental Engineer P Narasinga Rao, as of now the PCB officials are constantly monitoring the RSPM levels at Regional Science Centre and GNC Toll Gate on Tirumala Hills. At both the locations, the figures are recording between 60 to 70 microgram per cubic metre against the normal level of 100 microgram per cubic metre. However, at the same time, the periodical RSPM levels recorded at some busy points in Tirupati including the Central Bus Station, Municipal Corporation Circle, Town Club Junction, Gandhi Road, Leela Mahal Junction, were between 110 to 130 microgram per cubic metre, at an alarming level. However, readings recorded near Tirumala temple, only stood between 30 to 50 microgram per cubic metre. The lesser movement of vehicles around the temple is the cause for those normal figures.

Though, there are no industries under the jurisdiction of Tirupati city, the increasing number of motor vehicles is leading to pollution, observed the environmental department officials. “No doubt, the city is gradually shifting into pollution with the increasing vehicles and the people will have to bear the burnt if the concerned authorities as well as the people themselves get serious on the issue and take remedies,” said noted doctor and former superintendent of SVR Ruia government hospital Dr V Sudhakara Babu.

The municipal authorities should take up water sprinkling on roads during the evenings to prevent the spread of dust and should also take plantation programme. The Transport department officials should act tough and confiscate those old vehicles plying on roads beyond validity period. People, especially, children and asthma-prone persons, and smokers should use masks while on the roads to protect themselves from several health hazards including the most dangerous lung cancer, he told Express.

“Nowadays, many people are going for own vehicles whether a bike or a car. There is no wonder to find four vehicles inside the compound of middle class families one each to all the the four family members. Whatever be the cause driven them to opt separate vehicles, we are avoiding public transport system and are loosing a lot of national wealth for purchase of fuel from other countries and at the same time causing environmental pollution and ourselves falling victims to the same,” explained Vasudavan, a senior citizen.

He also found fault with the government for failing to increase the number of buses and trains for catering to the needs of the people. As the government on its part failed in providing adequate public transportation, people are gradually shifting towards finding their own transportation means, causing several concerns on grounds of pollution and health, he added.

 
SOURCE : http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Pollution-Ready-to-Visit-Temple-Town/2013/12/30/article1972741.ece
 


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