Diwali air better in city compared to 2015
SHILLONG: The unprecedented air pollution in Delhi is a wakeup call for Meghalaya, which is facing vehicular pollution, especially in parts of the city.
However, the pollution level in Shillong during Diwali was not alarming compared to last year’s.
The Particulate Matter (PM-10) level was 101 this Diwali compared to 110 in 2015, according to the official data of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board. (see page 7)
An official source said in Meghalaya, there is a provision to check only large particles under PM-10 and not PM-2.5. While large particles under PM-10 are filtered in nose and throat, particles under PM-2.5 can penetrate the lungs.
The PM-2.5 in Delhi was calculated as 500 on Sunday which is alarming.
While Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board carries out testing of PM-10, the measurement varies from 70 to 80, which is normal as 100 and above is a cause for concern.
Though the pollution control board carries out testing of vehicles once in six months, sources said there is a need to have frequent checks of vehicular pollution in the State.
The sources added that the vehicles that run on diesel need regular checks but the Transport Department is unable to do that.
The source pointed out that enforcement inspectors of the Transport Department and police personnel are hardly visible when heavy vehicles pass through parts of the city emitting smoke.
It is also commonly seen that goods carrying autos in the city are often the ones emitting heavy smoke.
Transport Minister HDR Lyngdoh recently said he would hold a review meeting to see that the vehicular pollution is checked.
