JAIPUR: Pollution levels in the state capital continue to be `alarming'. On Tuesday , air pollution measured four times higher than desired levels, according to RajVayu mobile application. Meanwhile, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued ban on stone crushers, brick kilns and construction activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) that includes areas of Bharatpur.
The move came after pollution level in NCR was measured several times above the permissible levels. Air Quality Index (AQI) measured in Jaipur was at 383 (very poor), a notch below the highest category of `severe'.The desired level of AQI is 100. As per health advisory, people with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor work.
In 2015, the agriculture department had banned the burning of husk. However, very little impact was seen as crop burning continues in districts like Sriganganagar, Kota and Bundi.
"We have launched awareness drives to convince farmers to not burn cropshusk.However, until some punitive action is in place it cannot be stopped," said an official with the agriculture department. City's SMS Hospital is witnessing a higher number of patients with respiratory problems than in the past.Doctors say this year the number of cases have shot up several times due to the rising pollution level.
Dr SudeepChaudhary , who works at a private hospital, said pollution of vehicles along with that from Diwali crackers has made the situation worse. "The level of air quality in Jaipur is worst for kids. Due to lack of awareness, citizens are not reacting. Ideally , they have to use an air mask while going out in densely populated areas and busy intersections," said Chaudhary .
