Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) described the air quality in the state capital on Sunday as 'moderate', the AQI range coinciding with the onset of winter, underscores risks for patients with underlying respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
The Sameer App of the CPCB, which provides real-time air pollution data to citizens, reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) at the three monitoring stations in the city—Idgah Hills, Paryavaran Bhawan, and TT Nagar—averaged in the 160s at 5 PM on Sunday.The moderate range in air quality stands between satisfactory and poor air. As per CPCB studies, this range—depicted in the warning colour of yellow—may cause shortness of breath even in individuals with no known health concerns.
Though Bhopal is known to experience a decline in oxygen quality levels during winter, this year the situation is worsened by the ongoing metro rail project, as clouds of dust have lingered around construction sites, triggering risks for those dwelling in the vicinity.
The CPCB data presents average pollution levels in the city, and there is no denying the fact that the air quality may well be even riskier in and around known hotspots that may include industrial areas, construction sites, and high vehicular traffic zones.PM2.5, inhalable particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 microns, the primary pollutant in the city, is likely to remain high during the forthcoming winter months.
Municipal authorities have been promising the deployment of water fountains and sprinklers in high-dust areas to combat risks posed by the deadly matter that remains suspended in the air as it becomes denser in proportion with the cold.
Environmentalists say that the rise in particulate matter—PM2.5 and PM10—is further worsened by practices like the burning of crop residues in rural areas and the use of solid fuels, such as coal and wood, and paraffins like kerosene for both domestic and commercial purposes. The burning of charcoal for road construction is also a known offender.Last week, the Bhopal Divisional Commissioner convened various arms of the civic administration and issued directives for concerted efforts to combat the worsening air quality. Commissioner Sanjeev Singh told officials from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Traffic Police, Pollution Control Board, and Food and Health Services to minimise the impact of pollution, which is often viewed as a by-product of development.Less than 24 hours ago, on Saturday, the State Health Commissioner, in his advisory, called for heightened readiness at all state health service hospitals to address any surge in patients with respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi insisted on the availability of oxygen, nebulisers, and other necessary amenities and services to deal with such patients throughout the next five-odd winter months.Rathi also advised citizens, especially those with underlying conditions, to keep themselves informed about pollution levels through the Sameer App of the CPCB and urged special care for children and the elderly.
Meanwhile the ubiquitous red municipal water tankers and road sweeping vehicles continued to wash and clean the VIP road on the margins of the Upper Lake till late on Saturday night. Though municipal workers said that the drive was in preparation of Diwali, the dusting of the trees and statues did bring respite to morning walkers by the lake.
