Shimla air poses threat to health

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 1

The pollution caused by the emission of dust respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) in the air has shot up to a hazardous level of 96.5 microgram per cubic m in the city in the last 10 days.

As a result, high level of RSPM pollution, by the movement of traffic on dusty roads, has exposed residents to various health hazards. The PWD and Shimla MC, on the other hand, have failed to start the road repair work.

Barring roads frequented by motorcades of VIPs, the Shimla Bypass highway that passes through the ISBT, Khalini, BCS, Vikasnagar and Dhalli has become a nightmare for commuters, pedestrians, including schoolchildren and tourists.

Data accessed by The Tribune from the State Pollution Board revealed: “RSPM in the city has shot from the normal level of 58.5 microgram per cubic m on September 18 to 96.5 microgram per cubic m recorded at ISBT in the city on September 29 in 10 days and may cross the threshold level of 100 microgram per cubic m soon.”

“We have stopped going for walks to avoid inhaling dust particles,” said Ravi Chauhan and Nisthan Thakur.

“Contractors and private builders are dumping debris mainly near Brockhurst nullah, Sanjauli government college, IGMC nullah and other places, as there is no designated dumping site,” an official of the State Pollution Board said.

Ashok Chauhan, Chief Engineer, Shimla zone, said the recent rains have caused immense damage to the roads in the city. “We are starting patchwork soon as weather has cleared up now,” he said.