Experts urge govt to add Chennai to NCAP

The Healthy Energy Initiative (HEI) has urged the government to add Chennai to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as the air pollution level in the city is increasing day by day. Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 touched 323 in Manali on Saturday.

According to a study released by HEI, the air quality at 15 locations sampled across the city between May and July 2019 was unhealthy with levels of PM 2.5 in the worst-affected areas nearly three times the national standard of 60 µg/m3.

“Densely populated areas of North Chennai are worst affected by dust and heavy metal pollution owing to industries, oil refinery and thermal power plants in Ennore and Manali. Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to fine particles and premature mortality. Other significant effects include aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, decreased lung function, asthma attacks and heart attacks,” Dr Hissamudin Papa, founder, and director of HUMA Specialists Hospitals and Research Centre.

“High density of air pollution sources and perennial issues with air quality in Chennai ought to have secured it a place as a non-attainment city. Thoothukudi is the only district added in NCAP in Tamil Nadu. We want the government to include Chennai,” said Dr G Chandrasekar, a general surgeon representing Doctors for Clean Air.