Bhogi pollution comes down

CHENNAI: The pollution levels in the city during Bhogi celebrations this year have come down as compared to last year. Ambient air quality monitoring in nine areas by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board showed that on an average there has been a reduction of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) by 21 per cent.

The average TSPM this year was 221 microgram/cubic metre as against 279 microgram/cubic metre last year. “There has been a considerable reduction in the burning of rubbish in slum areas,” said TNPCB Member Secretary R.Ramachandran.

The average respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) was 119 microgram/cubic metre as against last year’s 197 microgram/cubic metre. The level of oxides of nitrogen has also come down from 28 microgram/cubic metre to 18 microgram/cubic metre.

“Normally the burning [of waste] happens from 3 a.m. but this year it was there only by 4.30 a.m. The patrolling team prevented people from burning tyres in a couple of places,” said G.S.Thangaraj, Deputy Director (Laboratory) of the Board. A light breeze early in the morning also helped with dispersion of pollutants.