Kochi: Air Quality

 Cochin city: Prone to Air Pollution

 Kochi City is a fast-growing industrial region where mounting civilization and urbanization have been affecting abruptly in diminishing the air quality of these atmospheric environments. Hence a systematic investigation has been undertaken to carry out the quality assessment emphasizing six transition sectors which are prominent sites with distinct topographical features covering the entire estuarine, riverine, and coastal regions of the Cochin Aquatic System. 

The study recorded that one of the riverine sites (R2) is exponentially showing enrichment in SO2 concentration which can be speculated for severe industrial emissions and this site can be described as the “Hot Spot Realm”. The enrichment of NO2 portrays the pollution source through vehicular emissions. Regarding the temporal trend, vagueness exists throughout the analysis more than the spatial allocation trend. It is reflected from the analysis that both climatology and source effect plays a significant role in pollutant dispersion. The Air Quality Index (AQI) values calculated for SO2 and NO2 gases pointed out that the Kochi area is moderately polluted.

Air Quality Index (AQI) is an overall scheme that transforms the weighted values of individual air pollution-related parameters into a single number. As per the data provided by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), the PM10 (particulate matter) at Vyttila is highest on certain days owing to the ongoing construction activities and high traffic density. While the concentration of NOx is also high at Vyttila, it is highest in the MG Road area.

However, in what can be termed an interesting paradox, Eloor, which has been termed the most polluted place in Ernakulam, has been showing an AQI parameter below 35. “This may be due to the dispersion of the pollutants to other areas by wind,” said MA Baiju, chief environmental engineer, KSPCB, Kochi.

He said in Ernakulam, Kothamangalam (below AQI 30) was the least polluted, perhaps due to the absence of industries and vehicular congestion, normally seen in the city.

An earlier report of the Kerala state pollution control board for the March 1-April 30 period had shown that the lockdown was highly beneficial for the city. The daily data on the concentration of different parameters shows a downward trend during the lockdown period due to the reduction in traffic intensity and shutdown of different facilities.

The key concern is that this trend is not going to sustain unless some very serious measures are being put in place. We are facing so many climatic changes yet we continue to disregard the environment. The planted trees don’t last and the huge trees are being cut down in the name of disaster management, said CM Joy, a member of the Ernakulam tree committee.

Even during the lockdown, carbon monoxide levels have been high. “Burning of non-biodegradable waste generates higher concentration of CO and particulate matter. During this period, when nothing else is happening, this could be the only reason for such a hike in CO and PM 10 and 2.5,” officials said.