Alwar : The air of Bhiwadi, a city of Rajasthan included in the National Capital Region (NCR), has become poisonous. Here the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 458. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). In such a situation, water sprinkling and use of smog guns have started in the city to control dust. Due to pollution in Bhiwadi city, haze was visible in the sky throughout the day and visibility reduced. People faced burning sensation in the eyes and difficulty in breathing. Seeing the seriousness of the matter, District Collector Kishore Kumar called a meeting of officials at 4 pm on Monday. Giving information about the instructions of the Graded Response Action Plan, CPCB has banned building construction work and given instructions to control the factors causing pollution.
water sprinkling on roads
District Pollution Control Board officer Amit Sharma said – Change in weather is the main reason for increase in pollution. All departments have been ordered to ensure compliance with the instructions of CPCB. RIICO AEN Kalika Singh said – Three fire brigade vehicles and two tankers are spraying about 1 lakh liters of water every day. Water sprinkled on industrial areas and Bhiwadi bypass is taken from underground borings, while treated water is being used on roads.
The number of eye irritation patients increased
Dr. KK Sharma, in-charge of Bhiwadi District Hospital, said – The number of patients suffering from difficulty in breathing, cough, cold, eye irritation and skin allergy has increased by 20%. Most of the affected people are children and the elderly.
Strict monitoring on industries and garbage burning
Two teams have been formed to stop burning of garbage in the areas of Rajasthan falling in Delhi NCR. Under GRAPE, notices will be issued to five industries violating the rules.
Graph of AQI level in Bhiwadi-
November 1 – 270 AQI
November 2 – 248 AQI
November 3 – 299 AQI
November 4 – 281 AQI
November 5 – 321 AQI
6 November – 289 AQI
November 7 – 302 AQI
AQI reached 432 in Jhunjhunu also
The AQI in Jhunjhunu reached 432, several times higher than the normal level. Due to this, people are facing breathing problems and eye irritation. Earlier on Sunday, air quality index AQI 414 was recorded in Jhunjhunu city. Jhunjhunu Collector Ramavatar Meena has instructed people suffering from asthma and serious diseases to use masks. Besides imposing a strict ban on burning of garbage, the Municipal Council was asked to implement a plan to control dust and soil by giving priority to cleaning work at night.
GRAP is imposed when AQI crosses 400
To check the pollution level of air, it is divided into 4 categories. Scales and measures are fixed for each level. This is called Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under its 4 categories, the government imposes restrictions and issues measures to reduce pollution.
What is AQI and why is its high level dangerous?
AQI is a kind of thermometer. It just works to measure pollution instead of temperature. Through this scale, the amount of CO (carbon dioxide), OZONE, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), PM 2.5 (particulate matter) and PM 10 pollutants present in the air is checked and shown in readings from zero to 500. The greater the amount of pollutants in the air, the higher the AQI level and the higher the AQI, the more dangerous the air. Although AQI between 200 and 300 is also considered bad, but the situation is such that it has gone above 300 in many cities of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. This increasing AQI is not just a number. This is also a sign of danger of upcoming diseases.
What is PM, how is it measured?
PM means particulate matter. The very small particles in the air i.e. particulate matter are identified by their size. 2.5 is the size of the same particulate matter, which is measured in microns. The main reason for this is smoke, wherever something is being burnt then understand that PM2.5 is being produced from there. The size of the tip of the hair on the human head is between 50 to 60 microns. They are even smaller than that, 2.5. This clearly means that they cannot be seen even with the naked eye. To measure whether the air quality is good or not, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are seen. The number of PM2.5 in the air is 60 and the number of PM10 is less than 100, which means the air quality is fine. Burning gasoline, oil, diesel and wood produces the most PM2.5.
