Gurugram tops air pollution charts over weekend

The Times of India , Monday, April 17, 2017
Correspondent : TNN
GURUGRAM: Millennium Cityreclaimed its unflattering position among the country's most polluted cities, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching 346 on Saturday and 329 on Sunday, and PM2.5 crossing the 200 mark (the safe standard is 60).

While the city's AQI was India's highest on Saturday, it was the second highest on Sunday. The AQI in Delhi and Jodhpur were recorded at 310 and 334, respectively, on Sunday.

Last Wednesday, PM 2.5 was recorded at a moderate 94.84 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3), while on Saturday and Sunday, it was recorded at 195.40g/m3 and 201.67g/m3, respectively.

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) blamed the increase in pollution levels on wind speed. "I don't think it's unusual. Every year, Rajasthan witnesses dust storms at the onset of summer. As Gurgaon shares its border with Rajasthan, with an increase in wind speed, dust particles make their way to the city, causing a rise in particulate matter (PM) and AQI," an HSPCB official said.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data shows wind speed has been fluctuating between 1.14m/second and 3.42m/second for the past one week.

However, green activists once again blamed construction work on the national highway for the rise in pollution. "Gurgaon is situated along National Highway 8. The problem is that construction at three crucial junctions on the road has raised dust pollution in the city. Unfortunately, no court recommended guidelines are being followed at these construction sites. On the other hand, thousands of trees have been felled," said Vivek Kamboj from Haryali (an environmental NGO).

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/gurgaon-tops-air-pollution-charts-over-weekend/articleshow/58213296.cms
 


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