Bikaner : Bikaner Due to POP factories in Khara village, air pollution has reached dangerous levels. In the 9-day test conducted by the machine, the amount of PM-10 (particulate matter) was found to be 4 to 15 times more than the standard. Its quantity on different days ranged from 398 to 1528 micrograms per cubic meter. Whereas, its standard is 100 micrograms per cubic meter. Due to this, the risk of lung infection of local residents has increased. The team of Rajasthan Pollution Control Board has reached Bikaner to know the ground situation. The air of Khara village, about 20 kilometers away from the city, is deteriorating due to air pollution.
In this village adjacent to the Mineral Zone of RIICO Industrial Area, people are falling prey to respiratory diseases due to the smoke from POP factories. After the situation in Khara village was exposed, a three-member team of Rajasthan Pollution Control Board Chief Engineer Premalal reached Bikaner on Monday night to find out the ground situation. This team will stay here for three days and investigate Khara village and POP Industries. Actually, there is only a road distance between Khara village and Mineral Zone. About 40 POP factories are established in the zone. When the wind blows towards the village, the smoke coming out of these factories engulfs the village. Because of this it is becoming difficult for people to breathe. After the complaint of the villagers, the Pollution Control Board installed its machines at three different locations to check air pollution. This machine was installed within a radius of 10 meters to 400 meters from the factories.
When the pollution was checked with the machine, lines of worry appeared on the forehead of the board officials. Regional officer Rajkumar Meena issued notices to the owners to close these factories. However, factory owners are spraying water on the powder scattered on the road. He also met the regional officer of the board on Tuesday on this issue.
PM10 – Danger ranging from cough to bronchitis – PM-10 is a mixture of particles suspended in the air, whose diameter does not exceed 10 micrograms. According to Dr. Pramod Thakral, chief respiratory disease specialist of PBM Hospital, it is harmful. Excessive amount of PM-10 has a negative effect on the respiratory system. This causes problems for people suffering from coughing attacks, nervousness, asthma or acute bronchitis. PM-10 also affects the rest of the body indirectly.
Pollution is at dangerous level
PM-10, SO2 and NOX were tested to detect air pollution in Khara village. In the nine-day investigation, high quantity of PM-10 (particulate matter) was found, which is harmful for health. According to experts, fine particles of POP powder can harm the lungs. Whereas sulfur dioxide (SO2) has been found at 9.84 micrograms per meter cube and nitrogen oxide (NO2) has been found at 32.48 micrograms per meter cube. Both are not harmful as they are within the limit of 80 micrograms per meter cube.
Due to pollution, children come to school wearing masks, the principal said – many children have breathing problems.
Children studying in the government school of Khara village have to come wearing masks. Principal Suman Sethi told that many children have breathing problems. Everyone has been asked to come wearing a mask. Sethi said that smoke dust accumulates on digital boards and computers. The school gets cleaned every morning. Villager Suraj Pareek says that due to pollution, children and elderly people in every house of the village have respiratory problems. The health department should set up a camp and check everyone. The district collector took the pollution report from the department.
The District Collector has taken a report regarding air pollution caused by POP industries in Khara village. Regional Officer of Pollution Control Board, Rajkumar Meena has informed him about the situation in the village. The Collector was told that pollution is spreading in the village due to smoke coming out from POP factories located in the Mineral Zone adjacent to the village. There is no other option except shifting them. Such situations occur in winter, when the wind direction is towards the village.
“The Pollution Control Board issues consent to operate to the industries. In case of pollution of POP factories in Khara, the Board has to take action only. RIICO does not have any guidelines in this regard. As far as shifting of factories is concerned, it is The work is not that easy.”
