There has been a thick blanket of smog in the city for two days. In many areas the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached above 300 points. But, amidst the struggle to reduce pollution, Metro Corporation and Pollution Control Board have come face to face. On the air pollution caused by the metro works, Amit Mishra, Regional Pollution Officer of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Board, said that an amount of Rs 52.5 lakh had been paid at six underground and elevated stations of the metro. The Pollution Control Board team had inspected Buddha Nagar and Naubasta on 19 September and 20 October. During this time it was found that dust was continuously flying on the service road due to the metro works. Notice was given to the project director, yet no prevention was taken to reduce air pollution.
Gave clarification by saying AQI of two years
Metro has given clarification on the allegations of spreading air pollution. Presenting the National Air Quality Index data, Metro said that pollution near construction sites has reduced in the last two years. Showing the AQI figures, UPMRC said that because of them the pollution graph in the city is not big. Officials said that Metro is making full efforts to protect the environment. In view of smog and changing weather, environment friendly measures are being taken at construction sites. Means like anti smog gun, water tanker with sprinkling system, mechanical broomer, high pressure jet gun, wheel washing facility along with systematic barricading at the construction site are being used. Releasing the data, Metro said that AQI has improved in Kidwai Nagar compared to the last two years. Officials said that at present the work of the upper section of Kanpur Metro is going on at a fast pace near Kidwai Nagar. In such a situation, if we look at the data of the last two years from 28 October to 7 November, it is found that despite the heavy construction work, pollution has decreased instead of increasing.
Licenses of 32 pollution testing centers will expire
Late on Tuesday night, DM Visakh ji gave an ultimatum to half a dozen departments including Metro regarding the increasing air pollution. He instructed the Assistant Divisional Transport Officer to cancel the licenses of 32 pollution testing centers which were not found at the identified place. Notices will be issued to 30 non-operational pollution testing centres. During the meeting in the auditorium located at Sarsaiyya Ghat, the DM instructed the ADM supply to use green net cover to carry the mined soil. Secretary KDA Shatrohan Vaishya, Additional District Magistrate Land Officer Rinki Jaiswal were present.