City’s pollution level increasing: Report

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 18

Pollution level of the city has been increasing as per the data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently. As per the report, the annual average level of fine particulate matter pollution in Chandigarh was more than three times the permissible limits.

The data shows that residents were exposed to higher levels of PM 2.5 pollution in 2016. The level has been much higher than the level recorded in Delhi. As per the report, the annual average level of fine particulate matter pollution in Chandigarh was more than three times the permissible limits.

While the permissible limit is 40 µg/m3, it was recorded at 123µg/m3 in 2016 in Chandigarh and 118 µg/m3 in Delhi.

An officer of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Board said burning of stubble was the main reason for the pollution. He said the level witnessed surge in 2017 also as city residents continue to grapple with high level of particulate matters in the air. The particulate matter (PM2.5) was recorded at 188 mg/m3 against the permissible limit of 60 mg/m3 in November 2017. PM 2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility.

Smaller particles are more harmful for residents as they can enter deeper into lungs. They increase the chances of lung diseases, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.