Eloor most polluted in state: Report
None of Kerala's cities appear in the cleanest city list.
Eloor, with the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) at 37 micrograms per cubic metre (mg/m3), ranked 21 out of a total of 29 most polluted places in India. Although, by Indian standards, PM 2.5 level is satisfactory, it is much above the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This, according to health experts, is causing problems to Eloor residents who are at an increased risk of respiratory problems.
WHO states that a good level is below 10mg/m3 for annual average and below 25mg/m3 for 24 hours. However, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a good level of PM 2.5 is 0-60mg/m3 for 24 hours.
Air pollution in Eloor municipality is mainly due to several industries in the 435-acre Eloor-Edayar industrial area on the banks of Periyar river, with the most affected being residents of Illanjikkal ward, Eloor East, Mepirikunnu and Pathalam divisions.
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"There are four major companies, including three public sector companies, functioning along the 8km stretch within the municipality limits. However, we suspect that pollution is more from industries on the other side of Periyar river in Kadungallur. Smoke emanates from a chicken bone processing unit in the estate, making life miserable for thousands of people," said Eloor municipal chairman A D Sujil.
Due to poor air quality, residents face breathing issues, kidney ailments and other ailments, said K A Mahin, councillor of Mepirikunnu.
"A large number of red category industries function here without meeting necessary standards and beyond capacity, causing pollution. The floor of our houses are frequently layered with black dust particles. Authorities must conduct a survey on respiratory problems in the area, thus revealing the true picture," he said.
Pulmonologists echo the concerns. "Eloor and Irumpanam are hotspots of air pollution in Kerala.
People with respiratory illnesses, cardiac issues, allergies and the elderly will face difficulties in places with poor air quality," said pulmonologist Dr Paramez A R.
According to atmospheric scientists, the only way to reduce pollution is to raise green cover. "Air pollution is caused by industries and vehicles emitting pollutants like PM 2.5. It is a localised factor. In Eloor, it is industries, whereas in cities, it is the increasing number of vehicles. Contents in the particulate matter depend on the source of pollution. To reduce emission of air pollutants, industrial production and the number of vehicles will have to be reduced, which will be difficult," said Dr K Satheesan, professor in Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Cusat.
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