Bulandshahr grapples with ‘severe’ pollution

LUCKNOW: Asthma and lung-related problems will increase at an alarming rate in the current environmental conditions, if corrective measures were not taken on priority, said researchers from Indian Institute of TechnologyDelhi.

Researchers have selected western UP city of Bulandshahr along with two other cities across the country to study the impact of air pollution on the health of people.

The pollution level in Bulandshahr has remained alarming since September last year with the city constantly figuring among those with worst air pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city was even found to be worse than Delhi, figuring above the 400-mark under ‘severe category.’

Even on Sunday, the AQI of Bulandshahr was 422 – eight points higher than Delhi 414, as per the data collected by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

An AQI above 400 is considered severe and can cause harm to healthy people and can severely affect those with existing diseases. Samridh S Chauhan, researcher from IIT-D who is heading the research project, points towards this anomaly for which Bulandshahr was selected for research.

“The AQI of Bulandshahr considering basic population density is alarming. We are trying to look into the reasons that are contributing towards it,” explained Chauhan.

Experts have also selected Patiala in Punjab and Nainital in Uttarakhand to examine the effects of rise in pollution, besides Bulandshahr. The team has placed air quality monitors in each of these cities.

In Bulandshahr, monitors have been placed at Kala Aam road crossing and Ganga Nagar area.