Home / Environment / Activist Flags Faulty Air Quality Boards Across City
Activist Flags Faulty Air Quality Boards Across City
26 Oct
Summary
- Air quality monitors at construction sites often show zero pollutants.
- These readings contradict official data from the SAMEER app.
- An audit of construction site monitors has been demanded by an activist.
Concerns have been raised regarding the accuracy of air quality monitoring boards installed at numerous construction sites across the city. An investigation found that the readings from these boards frequently contradict data from the Central Pollution Control Board's SAMEER app, with some monitors displaying zero pollutants even when PM2.5 and PM10 levels are elevated.
An activist group has called for a comprehensive audit of all construction site monitors, emphasizing the potential for faulty data to skew the city's overall air quality assessment. This misinformation could mislead the public regarding outdoor activities for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
The BMC stated that construction site data is currently considered unreliable and not integrated into their broader monitoring. They rely on 28 official air quality monitoring stations for the most dependable readings. However, the BMC is planning third-party audits for construction site sensors to ensure their functionality and prevent tampering.
While the BMC acknowledges the issue, they note that action against non-compliant sites is handled at the local ward level. The environmental department primarily facilitates these inspections and potential enforcement actions, including show-cause or stop-work notices.
