NEW DELHI - Kanpur in the
northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has emerged as
the most polluted metropolitan city, with a high
presence of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter
(RSPM) in the air, while Chennai is the least polluted,
according to the survey carried out by Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB).
As per the data collected
by the CPCB during January-April 2002, the RSPM levels
in the air varied from 119 micrograms to 257 micrograms
per cubic meter in Kanpur, while in Chennai it was found
to be in the range of 25-49 micrograms/cubic meter as
against the standard level of 60 mgms/cubic meter.
RSPM levels for Delhi varied from 119-257,
Kolkata 55-129, Bangalore 65-119 and Vadodara 84-119,
according to the data. Though sulphur dioxide and
nitrogen oxide remained within the National Ambient Air
Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 60 mgms/cubic meter, RSPM
levels had exceeded the NAAQS limit in most of the
metropolitan cities.
The sulphur dioxide and
nitrogen oxide levels at 4 mgms and 10-13 micrograms per
cubic meter respectively were found to be lowest in
Chennai, it said. Action plans to combat air pollution
were being formulated for mega cities like Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, it said adding that after
the implementation of the action plan, Delhi was showing
decrease in the air pollution.
CPCB, in
consultation with the state boards, has identified 24
such critically polluted areas. A total of 152 large and
medium polluting industries are located in these areas
of which 17 are closed and all the remaining ones have
installed the requisite pollution control facilities.
