Pollution control board carries out air quality study in state

PLAN To identify pollution sources in 5 cities, take into account seasonal variations and suggest remedial measures

JAIPUR: For the first time, the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has undertaken a comprehensive air quality study in the state’s five most polluted cities to identify sources and take remedial measures.

With the term air quality index figuring in our everyday vocabulary and schools being closed down due to heavy air pollution in the National Capital region, the centre and state governments are moving to tighten monitoring and tackle air pollution.

Various studies have shown that air pollution adversely affects health and causes respiratory diseases, asthma and leads to a higher risk of heart disease. With the ill effects of air pollution become more apparent, the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has also woken up to the problem.

The RSPCB has sponsored a source apportionment study for Jaipur, Bhiwad in Alwar district, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur which figure among the world’s 100 most polluted cities, as per a WHO report from 2018.

Based on the WHO report, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had made a list of 102 non-attainment cities including t he f i ve f rom Rajasthan t o develop city-specific plans.

The RSPCB then planned a source apportionment study for the five cities.

“The main causes of air pollution are primarily vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction and demolition, illegal burning and road dust. But the source apportionment study will help identify the pollutants and their concentration in each city and how that affects the air quality. Based on the study, the state government can make an action plan to reduce air pollution,” said Shailaja Deval,