Thane: Traffic jams is one of the reasons for an increase in noise and air pollution in the city. Environment activists feel that the crawling traffic leads to unnecessary honking by motorists. Also, the fumes emitted by vehicles are more at this time.
A study carried out by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board reveals a high level of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter in the air since the last few months. While Naupada registered an average of 123 mg/m3 against the normal level of 100 mg/m3, Balkum recorded 141 mg/m3 and Kopri 136.57 mg/m3.
Vidyadhar Walawalkar of Paryavaran Dakshata Manch, an NGO, said ''Vehicles that move at high speed emit less amount of toxins in the air. But due to lack of space, bad roads and narrow lanes, traffic jams have become the order of the day. Due to this, toxics are emitted at a higher level from vehicles as most motorists leave their vehicle engines on even when they are stuck in traffic,'' said Walawalkar.
Even in the case of noise pollution, the reason is the same, claim activists. Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who has been measuring noise levels in the city, said that Gokhale Road and Alok hotel junction recorded 85 db noise levels in the morning, while at Jambhli Naka is was 75-85 db in the afternoon. Ambedkar chowk recorded 80 db even at 9:45pm, his study shows. Meanwhile, the traffic police claim that they are doing their best to ensure smooth movement of vehicles.
