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Patna has done little over the years to lower air pollution from multiple sources, mainly automobile exhaust.
The Telegraph answers your questions on how things came to such a pass and what can be done next.
How polluted is the city air?
Very. Highly. Polluted. In the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s air-pollution rankings, Patna occupies the 48th position among 1,100 cities.
How high is air pollution over the national limit?
Fine particulates and nitrogen oxides dominate the list of major pollutants in the city air. The annual average of PM 10 — fine particulate matter that invades the lungs and triggers respiratory diseases and cancer — has been around three times the national limit or even more. The annual average of nitrogen oxides also mostly remains marginally above the limit.
Particulate pollution in winter is generally twice or even higher than the national standard. Even more dangerous is the presence of finer particulates called PM 2.5, which constitutes around 75 per cent of the total respirable particulate matter in the air. In winter, the level of PM 2.5 has been found to be almost three times the national standard.
S.N. Jaiswal, a scientist at Bihar State Pollution Control Board, said Patna ranked last among top 16 cities with critically higher level of suspended particulate matter in the last survey conducted by Central Pollution Control Board.
Since pollution is thrice or higher than the safe limit, does it mean I am two times more likely to get cancer?
No. Though the limit is higher than the permissible limit, scientists at Bihar State Pollution Control Board claimed that the situation is not alarming yet. But lower the pollution level, greater the chance of leading a healthy life. Cancer is triggered by a series of factors, including a person’s lifestyle, occupation, immediate surroundings and genes. But exposure to a high level of air pollution increases the possibility of cancer, as mentioned in a WHO report highlighted by The Telegraph on October 18.
Who are most vulnerable?
Everybody exposed to air pollution. But vulnerability varies according to the level of exposure, age and individual immunity. Anybody living or working close to a thoroughfare is more vulnerable than somebody living away from a polluted zone.
Children, the elderly, those with low immunity and people exposed to continuous pollution are the most vulnerable. Exposure to a high level of pollution can be fatal for those already suffering from respiratory and cardiac problems. Students of schools located along thoroughfares are susceptible too. Women who cook within the house using kerosene or wood are also at risk.
What diseases do air pollution cause?
All kinds of respiratory ailments including asthma, cough, bronchitis, lung congestion or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, can be caused by air pollution. Cardiac problems have long been known to be an offshoot of pollution. Dr Chandrashekhar, head, ear, nose, and throat department, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, said apart from the respiratory system, high levels of air pollutants are hazardous for eyes as well.
How can I protect myself?
Wearing a mask while on the move helps but it isn’t effective when it comes to ultra-fine particulates or gases. In winter, when pollutants are concentrated in the lower strata of air, it is advisable not to take a walk around dawn or just after.
Which parts of Patna are more polluted?
The state pollution control board does not have any recent data regarding the level of pollution in specific parts of the city. But according to regular observations at the three monitoring stations located at Beltron Bhavan, Gandhi Maidan and planetarium, state pollution control board scientist Jaiswal claimed that the level of air pollutants is comparatively higher at the latter two stations.
“It is because of the vehicular movement on the thoroughfares around these areas,” said Jaiswal.
Who is to blame for the high level of air pollution?
The administration — transport department, police, environment department and pollution control board — for not enforcing the norms. Political patronage for polluters is also responsible for the city being so vulnerable.
What is the trend for pollution check for vehicles in the city?
There are around 50 pollution under control (PUC) centres registered with the district transport office (DTO). The pollution violation fine is up to Rs 1,000 according to sub-section 2 of Section 190 of Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The DTO office claims that around 80 per cent of the vehicles running in the city get their periodical pollution checks done.
lf I see a truck or a car spewing black smoke, can I report it to the authorities?
You can lodge a complaint with the traffic police by calling at the office of superintendent of police (traffic) on 0612-2219543 or with traffic police officers on the road. Complaints can also be filed with the district transport officer by dialling 9470001003.
What can I do to reduce air pollution in the city?
If you own a vehicle, ensure that it does not spew toxic fumes by taking it for periodic pollution checks and maintaining it well. Also, raise your voice against pollution.
