Air quality improves, but still ‘unhealthy’ in Baddi
With wind aiding better dispersion of air particles, the air quality index (AQI) level has slightly improved in the Baddi area this week. The situation improved significantly with an AQI of 160 during the day and 127 in the evening today.
The AQI had plummeted to a moderate level of 85 at night, much to the relief of the local residents though it soared to 160 during the day. Though 160 AQI is also considered unhealthy, it is a marked improvement from the over 300 level registered consistently for days.
“While particulate matter (PM) 2.5, comprising particles that are I2.5 I microns or less in diameter, is the major contributor of AQI in Baddi, the use of pet coke as a boiler fuel in the industry as well as vehicular emission are its major contributors,” informed an expert.
The data secured from the Central Pollution Control Board’s air monitoring system revealed that PM 2.5 was dangerously high at 177 micrograms per cubic metre, 25 being the minimum and the average score of 80. Levels above 35 are considered unhealthy and can cause problems to people diagnosed with breathing issues like asthma. A PM 10 of 94 micrograms per cubic meter was registered on Saturday, which was within the authorised limit of 100 on a 24-hourly basis.
“The State Pollution Control Board has permitted some industries to use pet coke as a boiler fuel. Though it is cheaper, it is not a cleaner fuel and significantly contributes to PM 2.5 in this industrial cluster. A slew of induction furnaces operational in the area are its major users. With the board having outsourced the monitoring of process stack and boiler stack, their apt monitoring is far from satisfactory. The board now has no dearth of field staff and so it should itself undertake stack monitoring to curb the rising PM 2.5 level,” pointed out a board official.
