TNPCB to create awareness among public on improving air quality

CHENNAI: On account of 'International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board in coordination with the district administration organised several activities, including cycle rallies, tree plantation, and sapling distribution, across the State to create awareness among people on the importance of their contribution to protect air quality, especially in the urban environment.

TNPCB officials say that the department is regularly monitoring the ambient air quality in Chennai through eight manual stations installed in and around the city under National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) and at seven automatic monitoring stations using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQM).

The maximum annual average PM10 level in Chennai city has come down significantly from 168 microgram/m3 in 2010-11 to 58 microgram/m3 in 2020-21. To improve the Chennai air quality further, City Action Plan has been developed by TNPCB in coordination with various line Departments under the Million Plus Cities of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce the PM level.

The department has proposed to carry out source apportionment, emission inventory and carrying capacity study by IIT-M to exactly identify what are the various contributing sources and their contribution levels and to take decisions based on the outcome of the study on shifting and banning polluting industries within the city.

"At least five additional CAAQM stations for effective monitoring of city air quality along with the use of more mechanical sweepers, super suckers and jet patchers for quick patching of potholes and water fountains at 69 road junctions to reduce road dust will be done. Non-Motorised Transport streets are planned to be extended to over 40 km length in the North, central and south Chennai areas and widening footpaths from 5 ft to 10 ft to a total distance of 176 km. The 12 crematoriums will be changed as LPG crematoriums and 100 CNG dispensing stations across the city will be provided," a release stated.