PATIALA: The Punjab Pollution Control Board has decided to periodically measure the pollution levels at toll plazas during peak hours. Besides, asking project directors of privately managed National Highways and State Highwaysin the state to initiate measures as per their concession agreements to control dust pollution on the roads.
KS Pannu, Chairman said the PPCB has asked the companies to ensure that proper plantation in the central verge of the roads and on both sides of the roads is done and maintained. He said it has observed that although the agreement of the road constructing companies includes developing a green cover on the central verge and the sides of the roads, the companies were found lacking in undertaking the job.
The PPCB chairman said that the board officials have recently submitted a report in which dust being thrown in the air by vehicles using highways was found to be a major pollutant, especially during the winter season. He said the board has also asked the private companies to make certain that measures to collect dust from roads was put in place. The non-concreate paths between the over bridge and the service lanes was another major dust spots which were not being properly maintained by the road constructing companies resulting in air pollution due to dust.
Pannu said PPCB would keep a constant watch on to ensure the directions given to the highway authorities were followed in letter and spirit.
