It’s difficult to get a lung full of clean air

KOCHI: Even as Ernakulam is growing at a rapid pace, it is also turning out to be the worst place to live in. The Ambient Air Quality Data-2016 released by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) claims Kuttipadam near Perumbavoor is the most polluted, as shown by the data received from the 30 Ambient Air Quality Stations installed across Kerala in 2016.Though the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) should be 60 micrograms per cubic meter, the average RSPM in Kuttipadam was 61 in 2016. The same was 45 at Kuttipadam in the year 2015.

Second highest RSPM was recorded at Ambient Air Quality Monitoring stations near Ernakulam South Overbridge and Kalamassery Industrial area. At Ernakulam South overbridge, the  RSPM was 57 in 2016 while same was only 46 in 2015. At Kalamassery RSPM was 57 in 2016 while in 2015 it was only 43.
There are two Ambient Air Monitoring Stations at Eloor where RSPM of 40 and  54 were recorded in 2016. The same was 35 and 45 in 2015. At Vytilla, it was 52 in 2016 and 41 in 2015. At MG Road, RSPM was 47 in 2016 while it was 48 in 2015. At Irumpanam it was 33 in 2016 while the same was 25 in 2015.

After Perumbavoor, the highest RSPM was detected at Vadavathoor in Kottayam district. At Vadavathoor RSPM detected in 2016 was 58 while the same was 60 in 2015. In Kannur, RSPM was detected as 56 in 2016 coming down from 63 detected in 2015. On the other hand, the annual average concentrations of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen were not found exceeding limit.Purushan Eloor, an environmental activist, said a study conducted in 2005 at the industrial areas in Ernakulam found the concentration of the five chemicals that cause cancer to be very high.

“The government rather than announcing policies should do something to clean up our air. There is no doubt that air quality in Ernakulam has been drastically affected by the industries here. The pollution control board should wake up and initiate action against industries that are operating in violation of the environment protection norms,” he said.

Pollution Control Board officers claim an increase in construction works is the reason behind the rise in RSPM. “At Ernakulam South Overbridge, Metro construction work might have increased RSPM. Also,
the number of vehicles has increased in Kochi. However, compared to cities like New Delhi, the quality of air is better here,” the official said.