Air Pollution Reaches High Level In Rourkela; OSPCB Advises Closure Of Schools

Rourkela: The air pollution in the city has reached an alarming level in the last few days, leading the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) to call for immediate closure of some industries.

Even as the temperature in the Steel City has neared 40 degree Celsius, smog, a winter phenomenon, continues to envelop it in the morning hours since Sunday. While it has reduced the visibility, people feel burning sensation during breathing while moving outside.

According to the regional office of OSPCB, the air quality index (AQI) in the city has crossed 150 while 0-50 is considered good. The average concentration of PM 2.5 (suspended pollutant 2.5 micron or smaller) was above 80ug/m3 against the desired level of 60ug/m3. Similarly, the PM 10 level was above 150ug/m3 against 100ug/m3.

Considering the high air pollution, the district administration has asked the people to use anti-pollution masks and avoid unnecessary outings till the situation improves.

The OSPCB has also suggested closure of industries causing air pollution and suspension of movement of heavy diesel vehicles, construction works and burning of wastes. It has also advised closure of schools and colleges.

“We are monitoring the situation and measuring the level of the particulate matter regularly. The rise in pollution level was due to lack of wind movement and cloudy sky. As a matter of precaution, we have advised the district administration to stop construction activities and shut down some industries which are probably adding to the pollution,” Hindustan Times quoted as OSPCB regional officer in Rourkela, PK Mohapatra as saying.