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By APD Writer Rishika Chauhan
NEW DELHI, August 1 (APD) - Dust pollution in Delhi has increased alarmingly and relapsed to the 2010 level when it was disturbingly high.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed that the dust pollution has increased to 261 micrograms per meter cube again last year. Previously, such levels were observed in 2010, during the Commonwealth Games.
D Saha, the head of the air quality laboratory of CPCB explained that after the Commonwealth Games in 2010, dust pollution remained almost the same till 2015.
In 2010, the pollution level was at 261 micrograms per meter cube, while five years ago in 2006 it had been 153 micrograms per meter cube. In 2010, pollution had risen due to increased construction activities during the Commonwealth Games.
Last year when the World Health Organisation placed Delhi in the list of the dustiest megacities in the world, it caused worry and concern. Delhi was on top of the list, while Cairo and Dhaka were in the second and third positions, two other Indian cities; Kolkata and Mumbai were placed fourth and fifth.
According to the latest CPCB data the rate of increase in dust pollution is higher compared to that of other pollutants. Experts have explained that dust pollution has increased in India primarily due to construction activities, road dust and waste burning.
Mukesh Sharma, an expert on the subject said, “Soil, road dust and airborne fly ash are the major sources of pollution in summer. In winter, however, it is the secondary particles which comprise most of the pollution.”
Talking about the bad effect of dust pollution on health, Dr Vikas Maurya said, “Over the years, the number of patients with lung and respiratory diseases are on the rise. Cases of asthma and lung fibrosis have increased.
Also on the rise are patients with cardiac problems because increase in particulate matter can affect our cardiac system both directly and indirectly.”
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
