NEW DELHI: Buses and autos may not be blowing as much smoke into your face now, but that doesn't mean Delhi is breathing easier. Every day, 500-700 private vehicles are added to the city's burden, and with this category accounting for 65%-70% of the city's air pollution, the view is indeed dim.
The latest air quality survey, conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), at 10 city locations, shows that the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide levels have exceeded permissible limits in many parts of Delhi.
The mobile van survey was conducted between May and July at Red Fort, Pusa Road (near Hotel Sidhartha), Windsor Place (near Hotel Meridian), Connaught Place, S P Marg (near Hotel Taj Palace), Mathura Road (near Hotel Oberoi), Safdarjung Hospital, Lawrence Road, Badli and Jhilmil.
CPCB member secretary B Sengupta said that with so many vehicles being added to Delhi roads — from 2.35 lakhs in 1975 to 37 lakh this year — the picture is far from rosy. Other than vehicles, other major pollutants are thermal power plants, industries and leaf and tyre burning.
If you consider that the permissible RSPM limit is 100 microgram per cubic metre (ug/m3), the survey's findings makes most areas in Delhi positively toxic. CP leads with 395, followed by Jhilmil (370), Lawrence Road (365), S P Marg (359) and Pusa Road (353).
