With fewer vehicles on Chennai roads, air quality turns for better

Chennai

The data available with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) revealed that many parts of the city recorded much lower levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide (PM 2.5) which is released by vehicles and power plants.

The air pollution level of PM 2.5 in Koyambedu 55 microgram/m3, Royapuram 46 microgram/m3, Velachery 48 microgram/m3 and Kodugaiyur 57 microgram/m3 is considered to be satisfactory and is within the permissible level of 60 microgram/m3.

However, at Manali, the extent of PM 2.5 recorded at the air quality monitoring station was 127 microgram/ m3 while in Alandur it was 157 microgram/m3. Such high levels of PM 2.5 in both these areas are being attributed to the continuous movement of vehicles even after the complete lockdown.

But during May, the air quality level remained dismal with it being higher than the permissible limit of 60 microgram/m3 in most of the areas in Chennai.

The air pollution level of PM 2.5 in Gumidipoondi was 141 microgram/ m3 while in Royapuram it was 81 microgram/m3. Similarly, in Perungudi it was 82 microgram/ m3 while Manali recorded 117 microgram/m3, which as per the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines is considered satisfactory and moderate.

When contacted, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board official said, “Even the day before the complete lockdown was imposed, the air pollution level was above the permissible limit. Only from Friday, it has come down as there are fewer vehicles on the road and this trend is expected to last during the lockdown period.”