Berhampur, Dec. 23: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board has come out with data stating that the city's pollution level has become alarming.

Data received through the dust sampling instrumentation state there is presence of 150 microns of dust in one metre cube area against the maximum limit of 100 microns. "We are collecting dust samples from four areas - residential, commercial, industrial and silent zones. In Brahmanagar residential area, the dust sampling is 95 microns on any normal day and 274 microns on festive days. In commercial areas such as Girija Restaurant Square, it is 117 on normal days and 332 during festivals. In the industrial area like Ankuli, it is 144 on normal days and 331 microns during festivities. In the silent zones, it is 96 on any normal day and 236 during festivals," said the board's regional officer Mitrasen Majhi.

"The sound limit has reached 84 decibels during the day and 70 decibels during night," he said.

Earlier, the board expressed its concern that water in 36 ponds in the city had become unfit for human consumption and bathing. Data show that three ponds - Khodasingh dhoba pond, Balunkeswar temple pond and Kamapalli tank - are the most polluted ones.

Rise in vehicles on road adds to dust pollution, said Majhi.