Gurgaon has been listed on the top as the most polluted city among the 28 cities by the Central Pollution Control Board. The air quality index is an indicator of the air pollution from the levels of three pollutants that includes NO2, PM 10 and PM 2.5. The index indicates air quality as ‘good’ for values of 0-100, moderate for 101-200 and poor for 201-300.
ALSO READ: Delhi is all set for its most chocolaty, ‘Hot Chocolate Fest’!
All pollutants cannot be monitored at all locations, overall AQI is calculated only if data of a minimum of three pollutants is available. As per the survey which took place on Saturday, Gurgaon was marked as ‘severe’ and air quality of Agra, Delhi, Faridabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Muzaffarpur, Patna and Thane was marked ‘very bad.’
Dr Sewa Ram, associate professor of transport planning at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, said, “Cities should think about alternative fuels and we should conduct studies to lead a life without vehicles. Governments should also concentrate on strengthening the public transport system. Awareness camps regarding air pollution levels and the impact should be conducted.”
ALSO READ: Battle For States: Get rid of SCAM, Modi tells UP voters; targets SP-Cong, Maya
Last month, the centre had directed state with poor air quality to take actions against the agents of pollution. The Gurgaon government should not take some serious measures to curb pollution:
- Ban Diesel autos plying on Gurgaon roads
- Ban or divert Diesel Trucks and dumpers
- Fine industries with polluted Industrial smoke
- Create green spaces and large parks, not commercial areas
- Ensure cycling and pedestrian only zones
The five factors which are responsible for the air pollution in Gurgaon are:
- Motor vehicle emissions
- Wood-burning fires
- Fires on agricultural land
- Exhaust from diesel generators
- Burning garbage