Malad, Andheri, BKC and Mazgaon have max pollutants in air: Study

The Times of India , Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Correspondent : Richa Pinto
Tracking Mumbai's pollution levels can be tricky given the fact that it's a windswept coastal city where the air is regularly cleared out by a seaborne breeze.

According to data from the BMC's Environment Status Report (ESR) 2016-17, extent of suspended particulate matter, PM 2.5 and PM10, in the air are lower than last year but still way above prescribed limits.

Another set of data from nine locations across Mumbai present a more nuanced picture. Certain areas such as Malad, Andheri, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Mazgaon are more subject to the effects of air pollution than others (see graphic).

Readings from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) stations show that in these areas, the levels of suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere are relatively higher. Air quality deterioration in the metropolis has coincided with a sharp rise in vehicular population. ESR 2016-17 says vehicle population which was 27,86,512 in 2015-16 has gone upto 33,09,966 in 2016-17.

Dr. Gufran Beig, project director of SAFAR at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), pointed out that rise in particulate matter is a problem common to all of urban India. "Especially during winter season, levels of suspended particulate matter is the maximum. Advantage for Mumbai is that being surrounded by the sea does help in dispersing pollutants," said Beig.

However, activists bemoan the lack of a holistic strategy to combat air pollution. Sumaira Abdulali, environment activist and convener of Awaaz Foundation, said, "There is no action plan stating what the cause of a particular pollutant is and what are the steps being taken to deal with it." She said the impact of pollution is already telling on people's health.

Doctors said particulate matter is not just owing to vehicular exhaust but also construction activity and roadwork. "Slow traffic movement also adds to pollution levels. Efforts need to be made so that fuel used in vehicles is monitored, not using clean fuel can add to pollutant levels. In case of SO2, one of its major sources is fuel burned in industries. In Mumbai, while industries are moving away, there is still a lot of unauthorized burning seen taking place," said Dr Ashok Mahasur, consultant in chest medicine at P.D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre.

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/malad-andheri-bkc-and-mazgaon-have-max-pollutants-in-air-study/articleshow/60470956.cms
 


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