In its environment report for 2014-2015, the KalyanDombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) announced that the air pollution level has gone down in the last two years. However, the civic body's claim has received flak from the residents, who have a contrasting opinion.
In its report, the KDMC stated that while noise pollution has increased in its jurisdiction, air pollution has gone down in the past two years. The report also gives a year-on-year figure of the past three years.
The air pollution for 2014-15 in the area of KDMC office in Dombivli is said to have reduced to 72.58 air pollution index (API) compared to 125.31 API in 2012-13. Similarly, air pollution level is recorded at 74.84 API in 2014-15 compared to 168.42 API in 2012-13.
Interestingly, residents of Dombivli and Kalyan are amused with these claims. "Last year, we had green rain in the month of January. If the air pollution is less then why did it happen," questioned Raju Nalavade, an activist from Dombivli. "There has been an increase in vehicles in the past few years. This definitely pushes up the pollution level and not bring it down," he said.
RupaliShaiwale, coordinator of Enviro Vigil (Dombivli), said if the report is true then it brings good news for the areas. "If they have taken efforts to minimise the pollution level, the it is a good news. But I am not aware of any such efforts," she said, adding that in the past year, there have been many road repairs, construction activities on in the city. "The number of vehicles on the road have also increased. So, this does not add substance to the report that the levels have decreased," she added.
Area 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13
Aadharwadi 75.38 80.58 185.64
Shivaji Chowk 88.22 97.79 175.21
Bhoirwadi, Dombivli 69.03 80.92 135.6
ShahadJakatnaka 88.99 95.14 164.71
*Measured in API
