GURGAON: Delhi may have been in the spotlight for being the world's most polluted city, as per a recent urban air quality database released by the World Health Organisation but Gurgaon is definitely no better.
A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), using a portable air pollution monitoring device, found a 24-hour average PM 2.5 (fine, respirable particulate matter) level to be about 13 times the national safe standard. PM 2.5 levels are considered a serious health threat as these are ultra-fine pollution particles can get lodged in the lungs and reduce its capacity over time. They are linked to cardiac conditions like strokes and heart rhythm disorders.
But what is even more appalling, say CSE researchers, is that despite being a business hub where several multinationals are located, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board doesn't even monitor PM 2.5 levels here. It only releases monthly data of PM 10 levels. There is no real time, automatic air quality monitoring in Gurgaon.
Delhi may be trying to put in place various air pollution combating policies, but there can be no improvement in air quality unless other NCR cities like Gurgaon implement similar policies. "Air pollution has no borders. We need policies that treat NCR like a common air-shed. Public transport immediately needs to be upgraded in all the cities," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, head of CSE's clean air programme.
CSE did not have comparative data for the same day (December 18-19) for Delhi but a 24- hour average of more than 400 is usually considered "severe" and can affect the health of not just the sick and elderly but even the young and healthy.
During CSE's experiment in Gurgaon, the team covered IFFCO Chowk-Cyber Green Office area- Sohna Road-Artemis hospital- Amity International School- Medanta-Rajiv Chowk- Civil Hospital-Sadar Bazar-Udyog Vihar.
The hourly average of PM2.5 during peak evening hours at IFFCO Chowk was recorded at 996 microgram per cubic metre. In late evening, PM2.5 level crossed 1,094 mgcm at Cyber Greens Office area.
At the time when children go to school and people go for morning walks to start the day healthy, the air pollution levels were found to be quite high.
The census data provided by CSE shows that Gurgaon has 232 cars and two-wheelers per 1,000 people, Chandigarh has 172 cars and two-wheelers per 1,000 people, and Delhi has 120 cars and two-wheelers per 1,000. In Gurgaon, 43% of households own two-wheelers, 33% own cars. Diesel cars may be causing alarming air pollution here, they said.
