Nagpur: Chandrapur recorded the lowest reduction in particulate matter of size 0.01mm or PM10 levels, followed by Nagpur in the Vidarbha region since 2017. In contrast, Akola and Amravati performed well in decreasing the PM10 levels. The data on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) released by the Ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) assessed 19 cities in Maharashtra on the increase or decrease of PM10 levels since 2017.
The PM10 level dipped by a whopping 42% in Mumbai during the same period, according to the data. Overall, the PM10 level dropped in 12 cities in the state but increased in seven. None of the cities in Vidarbha showed an increase.
The PM10 pollutants in the air can be inhaled as they are emitted through construction activities, burning of wood, and road dust. An increase in PM10 level determines an increase in the air quality index (AQI) level.
Nagpur had an annual average of 100 μg/m3 PM10 level in 2017/18. It has now decreased by 4%. Similarly, Chandrapur showed a reduction of 1% from 118 μg/m3. Akola showed the second-best performance in the state with a 23% reduction, while Amravati registered a 15% cut.
In January 2019, the MoEFCC launched the NCAP to improve air quality in 130 cities. It envisaged a reduction in PM10 level up to 40% or achievement of national standards (60 micrograms per cubic metre) by 2025-26.
Hema Deshpande, regional officer, MPCB, said the reduction of PM10 level depends on multiple factors and involves multiple agencies, including citizen participation. "PM10 levels increase mainly due to open burning of anything, road dust, and construction activities. MPCB monitors and issues guidelines from time to time so that implementing agencies act on them. It is the responsibility of these stakeholders to create awareness among citizens and inform them about the ill effects of pollution," she said.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation public health department's Superintending Engineer Shweta Banerjee, who is the nodal officer for NCAP, said plantation, electric buses, and cement concrete roads are the major initiatives taken by the local body to check air pollution. "Mumbai has been able to achieve a higher percentage cut because the winds disperse the pollutants towards the sea. Nagpur is packed from all sides. Hence, a 6% cut for Nagpur is good," she said.