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Journalism of Courage
The increasing number of industrial units coming up in residential areas has set alarm bells ringing at the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Board is well into the process of reviewing ambient air quality standard after 10 years — in wake of mixed land use.
It is studying urban areas around the country where mixed land use — or the presence of industrial units in residential units — is prevalent. ‘‘We are reviewing the way mixed land use has developed in urban areas like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai… It is difficult to demarcate residential and industrial areas,’’ said CPCB chairman Dr V. Rajagopalan. Wind and meteorological factors carry pollution to residential areas.
He added: ‘‘We are exposing people in residential areas to industrial effects. People working in industrial areas stay there for eight hours, while people stay throughout the day in residential areas. We are exposing large segments of population to industrial conditions’’.
The board checks air for two types of particulate matter, SPM and RSPM. Quantities of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ammonia and lead are monitored.
There are different standards of these particles set for industrial and residential areas.
