Pollution levels rise in capital

NEW DELHI - Pollution level is rising in Delhi, with particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide reaching unhealthy levels, a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report said Monday.

According to CSE, the official air quality index of Central Pollution Control Board showed that several locations in Delhi were in the grip of multi-pollutants.

The review of the first 10 days of December showed that both particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide had reached unhealthy levels.

Even carbon monoxide showed unhealthy levels at some key centres including Connaught Place, ITO, Karkardooma, Karol Bagh and the Indira Gandhi stadium.

“Small particles aggravate respiratory and cardiac symptoms in the short term and trigger lung cancer in the long term. Nitrogen dioxide can cause serious respiratory problems and sudden death syndrome among infants,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, associate director of CSE.

The monitoring by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee in different localities revealed that pollution levels peaked significantly during peak traffic hours compared to off peak hours.

“It is scary that the ozone levels have continued to exceed standards during the colder months. Cocktail of pollution can be deadly in Delhi already gasping for breath,” she said.

The number of reported acute respiratory infection cases has increased by 28 percent between 2005 and 2008 in Delhi, the report says.

“It is challenging to check pollution in a city that already has 5.6 million registered vehicles and adds more than 1,100 new personal vehicles a day,” she added.