Fighting dust bit by bit

Civic authorities submit report outlining reasons for increase in air pollution, suggest measures to make breathing easy again

Perturbed by the increasing amounts of dust in the city, BMC officials have got down to fighting the dust fight.
After doctors voiced concerns that 80 per cent of city's children were affected by dust, the BMC had decided to make the city free of dust ('BMC to clear the air,' February14) and in realising this end, they have submitted a report detailing the major culprits and outlining measures to curb the spread of dust mites.


Clearing the air: The report states that road marshals have been
asked not to sweep the road abruptly as it leads to a rise in dust mites.
Representation pic

Prepared by the Solid Waste Management Chief Engineer Bhalchandra Patil, the report contains details stating the major culprits for causing dust and also the reasons for the increase. Patil said, "We have stated in the report to the commissioner as to which are the major reasons for Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and that what can we do in our power to avoid the rise."

He explained that, for instance, wherever any road construction is carried out, it becomes the responsibility of the Roads Department to maintain the RSPM to acceptable levels. "Similarly, marshals who clean the roads will be instructed not to sweep roads abruptly, as it leads to an increase in dust particles," he added Patil also added that industries and power plants required a third party to monitor them. "As far as the report goes, the commissioner will hold a meeting with officials from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and other monitoring committees to help prevent air pollution," said Patil.

Confirming the news that the report has been submitted, BMC's Standing Committee Chairperson Rahul Shewale cited that they had already recorded a drop in RSPM levels. "We have already informed staff members of measures that they can take to prevent the increase in dust and builders have already been informed. It will be in effect from next month."

Clean up act
The BMC will undertake the following measures to ensure a cleaner environment:
>Tell the clean up marshals to not clean the road abruptly, as it leads to an increase in dust particles
>Monitor construction sites so they do not add a lot of dust in the atmosphere
>Decrease the level of smoke coming out from dumping grounds
>Appoint committees in every ward to monitor air pollution levels and take measures.
>Increase the green zone

Pollution Factors
The extent to which various factors contribute to the particulate matter
that pollutes the air in the city:
Construction activity, including paved and unpaved road dust: 38%
Power plants: 20.99 % of air pollution
Landfill open burning: 10.84%.
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDV): 3.42%