Air pollution touches alarming level in Rajasthan

TNN | Nov 6, 2016, 08.30 AM IST

Image used for representative purpose.

JAIPUR: Sriganganagar, Kota and Bundi districts have the highest density of air pollutants in the state as per the latest satellite data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Delhi at a meeting with state pollution control boards on Friday.

According to Rajasthan Pollution Control Board (RPCB) officials, the burning of crops in Punjab and Sriganganagar district has made the situation alarming in northern Rajasthan. In fact, the air quality has touched to the scale of 'alarming.' This means it's dangerous for those having breathing problems.

"The thick layer of smog is likely to continue in the northern districts till the situation turns normal in Delhi and Punjab. The burning of crops is banned in Rajasthan. There's need to take firm action elsewhere as the smoke spreads to other areas in the state," said a RPCB official requesting anonymity.

The impact of Punjab is evident on the air quality of Jodhpur which shows 360 on the air quality index (AQI). An AQI of 100 is considered normal.

After Diwali, the air quality in Jaipur has registered a pollution level of 235. This is considered 'poor' as per the air quality index and 2.5 times worse than the normal.

Officials claimed that in a day or two the situation would be brought under control and Jaipur would have moderate or good air quality.

The air quality in Kota and Bundi has gone for a toss due to the smoke emitted by industrial units. In fact, Kota along with Jaipur, Alwar and Jodhpur comes in the top 100 polluted cities in the country. Rising vehicular density has further aggravated the situation in these districts.