Civic body to double the intensity of water sprinkling in City

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 20

Municipal Corporation has decided to double the intensity of sprinkling of water by its three vehicles to prevent the suspension of dust.

Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra said water sprinkling would be done in shifts on roadside and the intensity will be doubled in view of a communique of the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee. The MC said they did not have major construction work going on and private construction does not come under its purview.

In view of the very poor air quality recorded in the city for the past few days, the pollution board had earlier written to the civic body regarding action to be taken that are notified under Graded Response Action Plan.

To improve the air quality of in the city, it has been suggested to take intensive sprinkling of water on roadside to prevent dust suspension. Roads witnessing high dust generation should be recognised so that mechanised cleaning and water sprinkling is ensured.

“Open burning using coal/firewood amid severe cold should be stopped. The construction of roads should not be carried out. Construction activities that fall under your purview should be stopped. Parking fee should be hiked to ensure a limited use of private vehicles. Frequency of mechanised road cleaning should be increased,” said the pollution board.

“Ensure proper cover while carrying construction material as well as municipal solid waste. There should be a strict enforcement of construction and demolition waste bylaws in the UT of Chandigarh. Strict vigilance of dumping ground should be carried out. These steps should be ensured for the improvement in the air quality of the city in the prevailing conditions,” added the communication.

Toxic air

While the AQI was recorded at 374 (very poor) around 5.05 pm in the city, the reading at the continuous ambient air quality monitoring station at Sector 22 was 321. The station at Sector 53, bordering Mohali, recorded the highest AQI level of 401 (severe) and Sector 22 logged 399.

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