12 CAAQMS to be installed in CG to monitor air quality
The Environment Ministry launched a National Clean Air Program across the country in 2019 with the aim of reducing particulate matter-PM 10 and PM 2.5 pollution by 20% to 30% over 2017 levels by 2024
Under the central government’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS) will be installed in the State of Chhattisgarh. The 12 CAAQMS will be installed in Raipur, Bhilai, Korba and Raigarh. Four each among them will be installed in Raipur and Raigarh. According to news reports, the CAAQMS are likely to function within 15-20 days after being installed.
Notably, in last three years, the Union Environment Ministry has given Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board Rs 13.06 crore under NCAP for air quality monitoring. Raipur and Bhilai have received Rs 6 crore, while Korba was allocated Rs 1.06 crore, the news reports said. The Center had allocated funds to Raipur and Bhilai to establish two stations each.
Recently a report published by Union Environment Ministry revealed that the air quality in Korba deteriorated in 2021-22 compared to 2017. The city has10 thermal coal power plants.
The four locations in the state capital are – Agriculture College, Siltara, AIIMS, and Hirapur Environment Circle. The monitoring systems are located in the division’s regional headquarters in Bhilai and in CSIDC industrial area.
The Environment Ministry launched a National Clean Air Program across the country in 2019 with the aim of reducing particulate matter-PM 10 and PM 2.5 pollution by 20% to 30% over 2017 levels by 2024 across 132 cities including three Chhattisgarh cities, Korba, Raipur and Bhilai which did not meet air quality norms for five consecutive years.