The Hindu : New Delhi News : Good news for Delhi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 26, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Good news for Delhi

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

Air quality has shown improvement: CPCB

Possible due to enforcement of stringent emission norms
A marginal increase in respirable particulate matter

NEW DELHI: Delhiites can breathe easy and deep with the latest Central Pollution Control Board report revealing that the quality of air in 2007 was cleaner and of better quality compared with 2006.

Cleaner

The air quality in 2007 showed a marked improvement when parameters of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, suspended particulate matter and carbon monoxide content were compared with 2006.

There was, however, a marginal increase in the respirable particulate matter (RSPM) compared with 2006.

“The CPCB is happy to confirm that the quality of air in the Capital has shown an improvement compared to the previous year according to our report drawn from the initial draft of the data. We will be soon releasing a comparative air quality data for the public on our website. This is good news for the city which has seen a rise in the both human and vehicular pollution,” said CPCB director S. D. Makhijani.

According to Mr. Makhijani, the improvement in air quality was made possible by enforcement of stringent emission norms, better availability of public transport and construction of flyovers.

Welcome

Welcoming the results of the latest report, a senior official of the Delhi Government’s Environment Department said despite several measures introduced for keeping the city’s air clean, Delhi had the disadvantage of unplanned growth, continuous illegal constructions and encroachment on roads.

Stating that the Capital’s air quality had improved remarkably after implementation of new emission standards and relocation of industries outside the city several year ago, Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment said: “The rising RSPM is, however, a matter of concern.”

Better technology

“Several years ago Delhi had brought its sulphur dioxide levels under control and with introduction of better petrol-care technology, the carbon monoxide levels too stabilised. We had issued a warning during the beginning of this winter about the rising RSPM levels which have an adverse impact on those suffering from respiratory and heart ailments. This report now has confirmed our fears,” said Ms. Roychowdhury.

She also warned about the rising levels of oxides of nitrogen which combined with other factors would affect the air quality in the city.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi