Chennai: The Bhogi celebrations by Chennaiites increased the pollution in several pockets of the city on Saturday. Pollution levels in Valasaravakkam, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, Manali, Ambattur, Kodambakkam and Anna Nagar increased to an all-time high level bringing acute breathing problems to local residents.
The 24-hour ambient air quality monitoring 15 zones of Greater Chennai Corporation by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) on Saturday showed that almost all localities witnessed a sharp increase in Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) than last year on Bhogi day.
Valasaravakkam topped the list with pollutant level of 386 RSPM followed by Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar (353), Ambattur (343), Kodambakkam (339) and Anna Nagar (270). However, last year Ambattur recorded highest RSPM of 306, while Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, Manali, Royapuram and Valasaravakkam recorded 276, 237, 234 and 234 of RSPM.
Only two stations - Shozhinganallur and Alandur - that witnessed 185 RSPM and 135 RSPM last year had the pollution levels lower than last year. This year Shozhinganallur witnessed 141 RSPM and Alandur saw 135 RSPM of pollutants.
North Chennai usually witnesses higher levels of pollution, but this year South Chennai suffered. “The motorists got camouflaged in the smog and it was difficult to spot the vehicles without their headlights on. I almost escaped an accident due to poor visibility, as it was difficult to ride surrounded by thick smog,” said S. Ilavarasan, a resident of Tambaram.
Though the overall status of gaseous pollutants- sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide was found to be well within the ‘prescribed standards’ of 80 micrograms per cubic meter, according to TNPCB, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) showed severe pollution levels reaching PM 2.5 early morning. After around 9.30 am, the smog got cleared off, but the pollution levels remained stable until late evening.
Though TNPCB officials claimed to have carried awareness drive to educate people on pollution-related problems through pamphlet distribution and announcements, nothing seems to have changed on the ground as people were still seen burning plastic waste in several localities.
“I could only smell smoke all over the city while I came out for a morning walk. We have been practising these cultural practices for years and it did not cause such problems, but the issue is concerning now,” said Munna Khan, a resident of Valasaravakkam.
