Naveed Ul Haq
Srinagar, July 08: The data compiled by the Pollution Control Board Kashmir reveals that growing levels of pollution in the Valley showed a declining trend in the lockdown period as 25 per cent of decrease was recorded in pollution levels across Kashmir since implementation of lockdown.
Official figures accessed revealed that pollution level showed a decrease of 25 per cent in Kashmir during the lockdown period.
The average traffic pollution recorded in February (last working month before lockdown) at Srinagar was 50ug/metric cube and the pollution level that was recorded in June after the relaxation in lockdown was 32 ug/ metric cube. This indicates that almost 25 per cent air pollution decreased due to the lockdown imposed in the wake of spread of deadly pandemic,” the data reveals.
The air pollution that was recorded in January at Rajbagh was 48.51, in February 43.21, in March 38.0, in May 26.58 and in June it was 26.14ug/m³ only. “Similarly in Hyderpora and Paraypora, it was recorded as 43.75 in January, 48.78 in February, 42.72 in March and 30. 66 in June. At Boulevard near Dalgate, the pollution level was recorded as 51.23 in January, 48.35 in February, 51.36 in March and 35.28 in June,” the official data available reads.
“At Jahangir chowk it was 49.50 in January, 51.09 in February, 48.30 in March and 38.38 in June. At Soura near SKIMs, the pollution level was 61.33 in January, 53.77 in February, 44.12 in March and only 31.06ug/m³ in June,” the data says.
An official at the PCB Kashmir said that the data is only about air-pollution caused by the vehicular traffic and reduction of the same is due to the lockdown when there was no traffic plying on roads. “The air pollution caused by the vehicular traffic at present is less but it would grow again as relaxation have been given and there is huge traffic movement on roads again in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir,” the official said.
According to PCB Kashmir, in Srinagar the permissible limit of (RSPM) Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (PM2.5) for 24 hours is 60ug/m³ and for the year 40ug/m³. (KNO)
