look news india
Air pollution in Meerut, the major industrial and residential center of western Uttar Pradesh, has become severe, creating a health emergency-like situation in the entire district. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed the dangerous level of 485, placing Meerut among the most polluted cities in the country. Due to this poisonous smog and fine dust particles (PM 2.5 and PM 10) spread in the air, breathing has become difficult for the local residents. Meteorologists and environmental experts have issued a warning that there is no chance of relief from this deadly pollution in the coming days and especially till the festival of Diwali. In view of the worsening situation, the health department and local administration have issued special advisory for children, elderly and respiratory patients.
According to the latest data released from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and local monitoring centres, the AQI level in major intersections and residential areas of Meerut remains between 450 to 485. Densely populated areas of the city like Shastri Nagar, Jaibhim Nagar, Delhi Road and Begumpul have been covered with black smog since morning. Due to slowing down of wind speed and drop in temperature, pollutants have accumulated on the upper surface of the ground. Due to this, people are facing burning sensation in eyes, sore throat and severe difficulty in breathing. Doctors say an AQI level of 485 is as harmful as smoking 20 to 25 cigarettes per day even for a healthy person.
Many local and regional factors are responsible for the sudden increase in air pollution in Meerut. The first thing is that the smoke of stubble being burnt in the surrounding agricultural areas has entered the atmosphere of Meerut with the direction of the wind. Secondly, the dust arising from ongoing infrastructure development, road construction work and uncontrolled construction activities at various places in the city has made the air more heavy. Apart from this, poisonous smoke emanating from old vehicles is also increasing this crisis. According to the Meteorological Department (IMD), unless it rains or strong winds blow, it is impossible for this smog layer to disappear. The situation is expected to worsen due to burning of firecrackers during Diwali.
In view of the worsening situation, Meerut district administration has directed to strictly implement the restrictions of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3). Under this, non-essential construction works, crusher machines and hot mix plants have been banned with immediate effect. Water sprinkling and mechanical sweeping is being done on the major roads of the city. At the same time, the Health Department has advised people not to leave the house without work and to compulsorily use N-95 masks when going out. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) said that special arrangements have been made for emergency wards and nebulizers for respiratory patients in all the hospitals of the city.