Air pollution on the rise

The Hindu , Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Correspondent : Anima Balakrishnan
Emission of pollutants may lead to serious health problems

Coimbatore: One of the growing cities, Coimbatore, with its burgeoning vehicle population and congested roads, is beginning to feel the heat when it comes to vehicular pollution.

The levels of vehicular emissions have seen a marked rise over the years, increasing the chances of health disorders.

Number doubles

The number of vehicles in Coimbatore has doubled from 4,37,088 lakhs in 2000 (research data from Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History) to over nine lakhs in early 2006.

According to Central Pollution Control Board data there has been a steady increase in the levels of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide as well as Suspended Particulate Matter that will affect the air quality.

Though all vehicles are supposed to obtain the emission check certificate called Pollution Under Control (which has to be renewed every six months), the methods adopted are not stringent enough to ensure total compliance.

Violation

According to the Regional Transport Office, of the 14, 568 vehicles checked between October 2005 and February 2006, 2,189 were found to have violated the permissible levels.

"When the vehicle owners come for any transaction, we insist on the certificate," says K. Yogarajan, Deputy Transport Commissioner (Coimbatore circle). The violators are also caught during surprise checks.

Checks essential

Earlier, surprise checks were done only on transport vehicles, but now two-wheelers and four-wheelers are also subjected to these checks. This became necessary, as nearly eight lakh vehicles in Coimbatore are non-transport vehicles.

Can cause bronchitis

But, violations are still rampant, and non-compliance to the standards means emission of pollutants that can cause serious health problems. "Increase in the levels of pollutants can cause bronchitis, and in the long run can even lead to lung cancer," says T. Mohan Kumar, pulmonologist, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital.

Dr. Mohan Kumar warns that exposure of two-wheeler riders to smoke from heavy vehicles can cause wheezing and even acute respiratory stress.

But Coimbatoreans do not seem to be taking vehicular pollution seriously, when all they have to do is maintain the vehicle well, and subject it to required checks at specific intervals. Data too is hard to come by on the vehicular emissions taking place every day, and information on the level of pollutants is couple of years old.

 
SOURCE : The Hindu, Tuesday, April 11, 2006
 


Back to pevious page



The NetworkAbout Us  |  Our Partners  |  Concepts   
Resources :  Databases  |  Publications  |  Media Guide  |  Suggested Links
Happenings :  News  |  Events  |  Opinion Polls  |  Case Studies
Contact :  Guest Book  |  FAQs |  Email Us