[sustran] Re: Pollution In Hyderabad: TOI, Hyd edition

[Kanthi Kannan]

Dear all

 

The Times of India dated July 2, 2010 carried this article. 


Everybody knows that Flyovers are Useless Yet Hyderabad is determined to
build more of them. Why? What do we do to ensure that the funds are used for
the Right Purpose?? 

 

Read on ..

 

Kanthi Kannan

 

THOSE WHO WALK CANNOT DECIDE AND THOSE WHO DECIDE DO NOT WALK

 

 

 

 

 

HYDERABAD: The one-km-long branched out flyover at Punjagutta, meant to ease
traffic and lower pollution levels, has been of little help in bringing down
pollution levels at the busy junction. The respirable suspended particulate
matter (RSPM) is above normal levels (i.e 100 microgram (mg)/cubic metre
(m3), while noise levels are also above average value at the junction. 

The AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) collects Air Quality Data summary
report on pollution levels every day at various places in the city,
including environmentally-sensitive areas like Zoo Park and KBR Park. Apart
from RSPM and TSPM, the levels of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and
carbon monoxide in the air are taken for study. 
Disproving the popular opinion that urban infrastructure such as flyovers
would reduce pollution levels apart from avoiding traffic congestion, the
pollution levels are soaring higher every year. Traffic problems too have
not eased at several places despite these flyovers. 

According to APPCB pollution data, RSPM at Punjagutta was 114 mg/m3 in
February 2008. The latest analysis shows that RSPM levels are at 105 mg/m3
in May, 111 mg/m3 in April 2010 and 114 mg/m3 in March. 
For total suspended particulate matter (TSPM), the levels are also above
normal levels (i.e 200 mg/m3) at the junction. While TSPM at Punjagutta was
333 mg/m3 in February 2008, there was a slight variations with 312, 326 and
329 mg/m3 TSPM in May, April and March 2010 respectively. 

The noise levels were 72 decibels (dB) during the daytime against the
standard level of 65 dB and during nights it was recorded at 90 dB which is
considered very high. 

APPCB officials said the noise levels were alarming at Zoo Park and KBR Park
where it was recorded at 70 dB during daytime and 80 dB during nights. The
night levels are high due to heavy vehicular movement. 

Interestingly, surrounding areas like Kukatpally and Langar Houz have
emerged as highly polluted areas in the Greater Hyderabad area. In 2008, the
RSPM and TSPM levels at Kukatpally was 95 and 281 mg/m3. 

Now, pollution levels have risen to 114 and 356 (highest in the city)
respectively. APPCB officials said the RSPM and TSPM levels are constantly
above standard levels in Kukatpally. Similarly, Langar Houz also recorded
113 mg/m3 RSPM and 324 mg/m3 TSPM levels in May 2010. The RSPM and TSPM
levels were 131 and 370 in April 2010 which were highest in the city. 

"The levels of RSPM and TSPM are on the rise in the surrounding areas due to
construction activity, heavy vehicular movement and traffic congestion,"
APPCB joint chief environmental scientist K V Ramani told TOI.

 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Flyover-of-no-help-to-chec
k-pollution/articleshow/6117429.cms