Kochi: Unlike previous years, air pollution levels on MG Road and South Railway Overbridge (ROB) areas have fallen, while that around Vyttila and Irumpanam have become a cause for concern, according to the data provided by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
The respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) levels recorded by the four stations within Ernakulam city limits in the last two months (November-December) of 2014 and 2015 makes clear the impact of construction works on air pollution.
While the pollution level on MG Road had shot up in 2014 when the Metro work in this area was in full swing compared to previous years at 146 microns, it varied between 95-133 microns in 2015.
In Vyttila, the pollution level has shot up with Metro work moving into that area, from 72-80 microns in 2014 to 116-127 microns in 2015.
At Irumpanam, the area around Chitrapuzha, the RSPM levels were very high at 119 microns per cubic metre against 23 microns recorded during the same period in 2014.
Residents said that they have been protesting against cement mixing plants set up for the expansion project of the BPCL-Kochi Refinery. "About 6-7 cement batching plants have been set up in the Ambalamugal area. To add to this, a new petrochemical company is also coming up. We have all supported Kochi refinery expansion, but now the pressure is showing the environment," said PramodMookkanottil of Ambalugal South-west Residents' Association.
BPCL officials said that they have taken precautions like sprinkling water at the construction site.
Government medical college pulmonologist Dr AnithaThilak, who resides in the area, said that trees have been cut as part of road widening work at Irumpanam. "So there's no green cover to absorb pollution. I think some green belts should have been set up before starting such projects. We get a lot of referral patients with respiratory illnesses from the Tripunithura taluk hospital," she said.
Environmentalist S Seetharaman said that fine particles of cement generated by these plants become smog or remain suspended in the air. While the bigger particles settle down, the finer ones settle in our body, clothes and homes. "A bag of cement, which contains 50kg, generates 400gm of cement dust in one transfer, even a change of place," he said.
About 30-40% of this dust can be controlled if trees bearing small leaves are planted.
