Kanpur’s air quality deteriorates, jumps into severe category with 446 index

KANPUR: Air Quality of the city deteriorated further on Friday and jumped into severe zone with 446 index at the Nehru Nagar observatory. There was mist in the early morning and visibility was poor. Some morning walkers complained of breathing problems and throat choking. The severe zone clearly indicates that it affects even the healthy people and seriously impacts those with health issues.
As per National Air Quality Index, Kanpur recorded 446 at Nehru Nagar observatory Centre which comes under dark red zone which means severe. The observatory recorded P.M 2.5 value 302 as minimum and 500 as maximum. Similarly, the average value of PM 10 was recorded as 372. The minimum value was 142 and maximum value 495.
The average value of Sulphur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and Ozone was recorded as 10, 33 and 54 which was more than the standard value.
Amit Mishra, regional pollution control board officer talking to TOI said that his department had already constituted three teams to monitor industrial units. The department had issued show cause notices to as many as 7 units and 2 industrial units have been notified to close down.
At present the major sources for deterioration of air quality are Kanpur Municipal Corporation (KMC), National Highway Authority, Metro and Panki Power Thermal Stations. Around 13 pot-holed roads had been identified and KMC was asked to fill the potholes and sprinkle water on roads to control dust.
Similarly, the National Highway Authority has been asked to slow down the construction work and sprinkle water in their projects and cover their material dumped at several places. Similar instructions have been given to the Metro Rail Corporation to cover digging and other construction sites.
The regional pollution control board officer said that the Panki Power thermal unit had also been asked to take measures to control pollution as per the experts’ advice. He advised elderly people and morning walkers to use a mask or go late for a walk in the morning and only after sunrise.