*Pollution of water bodies too remain uncontrolled
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, June 2: Due to failure of the concerned agencies to take corrective measures, the air pollution is continuously chocking both the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar with Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) remaining beyond permissible limits thereby putting the lives of human beings to grave health hazards. If the Government continued to remain non-serious towards this critical issue, these capital cities may in the coming years fall in the category of most polluted cities of the country.
The air pollution is measured by four parameters-RSPM (Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter), SPM (Suspended Particulate Matter), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2). All these are measured in Microgram Per Cubic Meter.
As per the monthly average, the permissible limit of RSPM is 100 mg while as that of SPM is 200 mg and SO2/NO2 is 80 mg. Similarly, as per annual average, the permissible limit of RSPM is 60 mg and SPM is 160 mg while as that of SO2 and NO2 is 50 and 40 mg respectively.
The RSPM are smaller particles as compared to SPM and get easily inhaled as such they are more dangerous to the human beings. As per the scientists of the State Pollution Control Board, RSPM can cause damage to the lungs as exposure to these can irritate lungs and cause lung constriction, shortness of breath and cough. Moreover, it aggravates asthma and other respiratory problems.
Against the annual average of 60 mg, the Narwal Station of State Pollution Control Board recorded RSPM at 123 mg during the year 2015-16, which was more than double the permissible limit thereby indicating the level of air pollution.
What to talk of annual average, the RSPM recorded by this station remained beyond the monthly permissible limits of 100 mg. From April 2015 to March 2016, the maximum level of RSPM was recorded at 145 mg while as minimum was 105 mg, which means RSPM never remained within the permissible limits.
Similarly, against annual average of 160 mg, the SPM was recorded at 218 mg by Narwal Station during 2015-2016. From April 2015 to March 2016, the maximum level of SPM was recorded at 250 mg while as minimum level was 189 mg.
Likewise, the annual average of RSPM was recorded at 122 mg against permissible limit of 60 mg by MA Stadium Station while as Bari Brahamana Station recorded annual average of RSPM at 125 mg. The annual average of SPM recorded at MA Stadium and Bari Brahamana Station was 217 mg and 222 mg respectively, which are much beyond the permissible limit of 160 mg.
As far as month wise recording is concerned, RSPM and SPM recorded by MA Stadium and Bari Brahamana Stations remained beyond the permissible limits.
As per the data of Srinagar Station of the State Pollution Control Board, the yearly average of RSPM was 106.32 mg as against permissible limit of 60 mg while as SPM was recorded at 189.42 mg against permissible limit of 160 mg. The Khanmoh Station recorded annual average of RSPM at 127 mg against permissible limit of 60 mg and SPM at 306.84 mg against the permissible limit of 160 mg. The Khrew Station recorded RSPM at 93.10 mg against acceptable limits of 60 mg and SPM at 186.03 mg against the permissible limit of 160 mg.
Likewise, Lasjan Station recorded annual average of RSPM at 196.11 mg against tolerable limits of 60 mg and SPM at 468.39 mg against the permissible limits of 160 mg.
This information was furnished by none else than the Minister for Forests Ch Lal Singh to the BJP MLAs from Jammu East and Jammu West, Rajesh Gupta and Sat Sharma in the Legislative Assembly. These MLAs expressed serious concern over the growing air as well as water pollution and wanted the Government to take corrective measures immediately so that situation is checked from further deterioration.
According to the Forest Minister, major causes of air pollution are vehicles, road construction and infrastructure development activities, mining, burning of garbage and industrial establishments like stone crushers, brick kilns and cement plants etc.
Though, as per the Minister, the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar do not fall under the category of most polluted cities of the country, the RSPM and SPM are continuously exceeding the desired limits. He also admitted that adulteration of diesel and petrol with kerosene oil increases vehicular pollution, which is the major contributor to the increasing RSPM and SPM levels in the capital cities.
What to talk of air pollution, water pollution is also going unchecked and uncontrolled as all the concerned agencies responsible to check the same are sleeping over the numerous recommendations made by different agencies including State Pollution Control Board from time to time.
The major causes of water pollution are discharge of untreated sewage from domestic and commercial sources and discharge of industrial effluents into water bodies. “The major source of pollution in River Tawi and Ranbir canal are the discharge of untreated sewage and dumping of solid waste”, the Minister said, adding “Municipal Corporation Jammu has been directed to take necessary steps for treatment of sewage and proper management of solid waste in accordance with Environment Laws”.
He also admitted that encroachment of water bodies is also a cause of water pollution and the concerned departments are under the obligation to remove the same.
As far as pollution by the industrial units is concerned, the House was informed that State Pollution Control Board is monitoring the activities of industries and action under law is being initiated against the defaulters. He, however, said that unless all the concerned departments act the air and water pollution cannot be checked.
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