Home / Environment / Chandrapur's January: 30 Days of Unsafe Air
Chandrapur's January: 30 Days of Unsafe Air
3 Feb
Summary
- Chandrapur endured unsafe air quality on 30 out of 31 days in January.
- Only one day met the 'satisfactory' air quality standard.
- Particulate matter, especially PM10, dominated pollution readings.
In January, Chandrapur experienced predominantly unsafe air quality, with polluted conditions persisting for 30 out of the month's 31 days. Analysis indicates only a single day met the 'satisfactory' air quality standard, underscoring a growing public health challenge in the industrial city.
Throughout January, the city recorded no 'good' air quality days. While no days reached 'poor,' 'very poor,' or 'severe' categories, 30 days were classified as having 'moderate' pollution, and one day as 'satisfactory.' This sustained moderate pollution level is a significant concern, exacerbated by winter conditions that limit pollutant dispersal.
Contributing factors to the intensified pollution included heavy vehicular movement, traffic congestion, waste burning, and biomass burning. These elements led to a sharp increase in particulate matter, with PM10 being the dominant pollutant on most days. Thermal power plants, industries, domestic coal use, and increasing vehicle numbers are identified as primary sources.
The health implications are substantial, as trapped pollutants can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Prof. Suresh Chopane warned that pollution exacerbates conditions like asthma and bronchitis and may contribute to heart ailments and mental health disorders.
