The recent survey of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has revealed that the ambient air quality in the city has witnessed a fall.

The survey conducted last month by the Adityapur-based regional office of JSPCB shows a marginal fall in the city’s ambient air quality, due to smoke-belching vehicles and general negligence towards the environment.

According to the survey, which is being carried out on a monthly basis, the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) has gone way beyond the 100 microgram per cubic metre (µg/m3) mark, prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in Bistupur and Golmuri. It was also found much above the permissible limit at Adityapur, an industry hub in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Respirable dust samplers were used to measure the pollution level in the three places.

Officials informed that the RSPM level near Regal Building in Bistupur was found to be 158 microgram per cubic metre (µg/m3) against the permissible limit of 100µg/m3 as prescribed by CPCB. Ambient air in Adityapur and Golmuri were found to be more polluted with RSPM level hovering at 175µg/m3 and 160µg/m3 mark, respectively. The RSPM level at Sakchi, a commercial hub was found to be 140µg/m3, much above the prescribed limit.

The ambient air wasn't contaminated in places like Telco, Sonari and Kadma, where the level of pollutants was found to be at the borderline. The RSPM levels in Telco, Sonari and Kadma were found to be in the range of 90-110µg/m3.

For, the levels of two other major air pollutants-- sulphur and nitrogen dioxides were also found to be higher than their  permissible limits.

The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) level in ambient air in Bistupur, Golmuri and Sakchi were found to be 48.25 µg/m3 , 47.45 µg/m3 and 46.21 µg/m3, respectively. The CPCB prescribed cap for NO2 is 40 µg/m3 . Similarly, sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels in Bistupur, Golmuri and Sakchi were 37.45 µg/m3 , 36.45 µg/m3 and 36.41 µg/m3, while the prescribed limit is 35 µg/m3.

Regional officer of JSPCB Suresh Paswan said that the  diesel-run vehicles for deteriorating ambient air quality.” According to our study the unburnt carbon in diesel vehicles raises the level of RSPM and other pollutants. Proper emission checks are the need of the hour," he said. The findings of the survey will be sent to CPCB through their Ranchi-based headquarters.

Sources informed that in Jamshedpur, Sakchi, Bistupur, Jugsalai, Mango and Adityapur were among some of prime locations were the pollution level was monitored. “The survey was carried out on the directive of our headquarters. In fact the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had earlier issued a circular asking the regional authorities to monitor the ambient air quality and noise pollution,” noted an officer.