Industrial hubs of Jamshedpur and Adityapur are not breathing easy if the findings of the recent survey of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) are any indication.

Conducted last month, Adityapur-based regional office of JSPCB survey's report that was tabulated recently - surveys are done every month - indicated a marginal fall in the city's ambient air quality, courtesy smoke-belching vehicles and a general apathy to pollution control.

Respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) has gone way beyond the 100 microgram per cubic metre (µg/m3) mark, that is prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in Bistupur, Sakchi and Golmuri in Jamshedpur, East Singhbhum. RSPM was also found much above the permissible limit at Adityapur, a industry hub in adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district.

The RSPM level near Regal Building in Bistupur was found to be 158 µg/m3, 58 µg/m3 higher than the permissible limit. In another commercial hub, Sakchi, RSPM was found to be 140 µg/m3.

Ambient air in Adityapur and Golmuri was found to be more polluted. In Adityapur, RSPM level hovered at 175 µg/m3. In Golmuri, it was 160 µg/m3.

The ambient air at Telco, Sonari and Kadma had borderline levels of pollutants, in the range of 90 µg/m3 and 110 µg/m3.

Respirable dust samplers were used to measure pollution levels in all the places.

The levels of two other major air pollutants, sulphur and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), were also found to be higher than permissible limits.

NO2 levels in ambient air in Bistupur, Golmuri and Sakchi were found to be 48.25 µg/m3, 47.45 µg/m3 and 46.21 µg/m3, respectively. The CPCB prescribed cap for NO2 is 40 µg/m3.

Similarly, sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels in Bistupur, Golmuri and Sakchi were 37.45 µg/m3, 36.45 µg/m3 and 36.41 µg/m3, while the prescribed limit is 35 µg/m3.

Regional officer of JSPCB Suresh Paswan blamed diesel-run vehicles for deteriorating ambient air quality.

"Carbon not burnt in diesel vehicles raises the level of RSPM and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Proper emission checks are the need of the hour," he said.

An official of the city-based Institute of Environmental Management and Studies, requesting not to be quoted, claimed rogue vehicles contribute to 80 per cent of air pollution. Advocating a widespread drive against smoke-belching vehicles, he said it was a major way to prevent people, especially children, from inhaling polluted air.

The findings of the JSPCB survey have been forwarded to the central board.

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