Punjab Air Pollution: Why Pollution in Chandigarh Is Still an Issue?

With an air quality index of 169 as of 22 May 2019, the pollution in Chandigarh continued to remain under the ‘poor’ AQI category for two consecutive weeks. The air quality of the city is continuously found between poor and unhealthy.

According to the latest research, the city’s bad air quality is due to vehicular emission. There are over 800 vehicles on the road per 1000 people. Yet, this is not the only reason why pollution in Chandigarh is still a major disturbance among the residents.

Chandigarh is a union territory which serves as the capital of Haryana and Punjab. It is located at the foothills of the great Himalayas in the northwest region of India. It is one of the first planned cities in the country, that is also known for its smart urban city design and architecture. Chandigarh’s population consists of 2 million people – Including cities of Mohali, Zirakpur, Kurali, Kharar of Punjab and Panchkula of Haryana.

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Pollution in Chandigarh Consists of High PM 10 Concentrations

PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentration has dominated the air quality of Chandigarh. This has become a grave situation for the city’s residents as they struggle to breathe clean air every day. According to the WHO guidelines, particulate matter 10 must be under 20 µg/m3 and PM 2.5 must be 10 µg/m3. However, it has been observed that Chandigarh is facing great challenges against the rising pollution level. Since the city’s population level is rapidly increasing and the number of private vehicles is congesting the city roads.

Read: REPORT: 7 OF THE 10 MOST POLLUTED CITIES IN THE WORLD ARE IN INDIA

Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests recently reported that Chandigarh pollution can cause a number of serious issues on the public’s health. CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) need to take serious and immediate steps against the alarming pollution rise.

What can be done to fight against the pollution in Chandigarh?

A scientist of CPCC recently said that the ambient air quality in Chandigarh has been mainly affected by emissions produced by motor vehicles. The city has the highest per capita number of cars in the country. For the last five-six years, Chandigarh has been taking measures to tackle the problem of vehicular emissions, the action plan will further intensify the implementation of those measures.

Fighting air pollution has become a national mission. However, to combat air pollution, the union territory of Chandigarh has promised an action plan. 

The action plan includes:

• Halting construction activities
• Closing pollution causing industries
• Checking garbage burning in the streets
• Conduction awareness building campaigns
• Controlling stubble burning
• Encouraging tree planting  

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