GHAZIABAD: Air pollution in Kaushambi is alarmingly high, according to a study by the UP Pollution Control Board's (UPPCB). The level of suspended particulate matter (SPM), released by local factories, is higher than permissible limits, while oxides of sulphur and nitrogen - byproducts of burning fossil fuels and vehicular emissions - are within it.
The results of the analysis, conducted by UPPCB on April 9 and 10, were disclosed on Thursday on the request of Kaushambi's RWAs.
The Kaushambi Apartments' RWAs (KARWA) had earlier complained to various authorities about rising pollution in Kaushambi due to its proximity to bus depots and a landfill site.
For the study, all the air samples collected by the board were from within the township. Average levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5 - ultrafine particulate matter with sizes less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns respectively - were found to be many times higher than permissible limits.
"Compared to the average figures for Ghaziabad as a whole, the levels are lower in Kaushambi. Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen are well within permissible limits and pose no imminent danger," said a senior UPPCB official.
Extreme SPM levels in the air have had residents worried, because of a high incidence of respiratory diseases in the area. They had mailed an application to NGT, demanding appointment of a local commissioner to oversee the implementation of its orders regarding ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
"A number of residents have complained of respiratory diseases. Doctors attribute it to high levels of air pollution in Kaushambi. Local authorities, including the municipal corporation and the district administration, should be held liable if they fail to rein in pollution-causing factories, which have been found to be the biggest culprits," said KARWA president Vinay Kumar Mittal.
