Road dust, construction, vehicular emission and industrial pollution have emerged as factors contributing to ambient air quality in five cities in Punjab where the source apportionment study was carried out.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the deteriorating air quality index (AQI) in different cities, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued notices to the states where air quality dipped to severe, very poor and poor categories, with a direction to take immediate remedial action and submit the action taken report.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has shared details of the draft findings from source apportionment study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in Jalandhar, Dera Baba Nanak, Naya Nangal, Dera Bassi, and Ludhiana.
In Jalandhar, the study findings indicate that road dust, vehicular emissions, and municipal solid waste significantly contribute to pollution. To tackle dust-related issues, the board has proposed the end-to-end paving of a 14.52 KM road, with an allocated budget of INR 20.6 crore.
In Dera Baba Nanak, aside from road dust, eateries and DG sets have been identified as major contributors to air pollution. To address this, DG sets without canopy have been prohibited, and three air pollution hotspots have been identified. Air purifiers have been installed at these locations to improve air quality, and regular mechanical sweeping is conducted.
In Naya Nangal, where road dust, vehicular emissions, and construction waste account for over 80% of PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants, a smog tower has been installed at Rajiv Gandhi Chowk to control dust emissions. To combat the resuspension of road dust in Ludhiana, the board has informed the tribunal that road vacuum cleaning is being conducted to control road dust. Additionally, mechanical sweeping machines have been stationed at various locations, particularly in hotspot areas. To mitigate transport-related emissions, the board is contemplating a policy to phase out old diesel autorickshaws and vehicles. Besides, the promotion of electric vehicles and the use of CNG-fuelled automobiles are being encouraged as part of the emission control strategy. To address emissions from crematoria, LPG/electric crematoriums are being introduced.
Among the nine non-attainment cities in Punjab, seven cities including Jalandhar, Dera Baba Nanak, Naya Nangal, Dera Bassi, Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna, and Patiala are included in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), while Amritsar and Ludhiana are covered under the 15th Finance Commission.
Punjab has received a total of INR 89.30 crore under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), of which INR 49.15 crore has been disbursed and INR 28.40 crore has been utilized as of January 25, 2024. Additionally, Punjab has received INR 159 crores under the 15th Finance Commission, out of which INR. 131.58 crores has been utilised. The board stated that the state is diligently working towards promptly utilizing the allocated funds. Furthermore, efforts are being made to allocate funds towards activities aimed at mitigating major contributors to pollution, as identified in the SA study report and city action plans.
