Gurgaon, July 2, 2024 — Gurgaon is witnessing an alarming shift in its air pollution profile, with carbon monoxide (CO) levels surpassing those of particulate matter like PM 10 and PM 2.5. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that CO concentrations have exceeded the permissible limits by more than 68 times over the past week, prompting urgent calls for action.
Carbon Monoxide Levels Skyrocket
Between June 24 and June 30, CO levels in Gurgaon varied between 114μg/m³ and 168μg/m³, significantly higher than the safe limit of 1.7μg/m³. This drastic increase in CO levels has surpassed the city’s usual concerns over particulate matter pollution.
Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), explained, “Vehicles and machinery that burn fossil fuels are the primary sources of CO in outdoor air. The data reveals that CO emissions spike when overall pollution levels are high. The elevated levels of CO in the city result from local factors such as garbage burning and use of diesel vehicles.”
Causes and Community Concerns
The primary cause of this CO pollution surge is attributed to the rampant burning of waste in open areas, particularly the combustion of plastics and rubber. Residents across Gurgaon have reported frequent incidents of illegal waste dumping and burning, leading to the elevated CO levels.
Pankaj Mahajan, a resident of Sector 108, shared his experience: “I have been witnessing waste burning daily. Though the number of such incidents has come down compared to 15 days ago, they are still ongoing.”
Health Implications
According to CPCB guidelines, when the air quality index (AQI) is in the ‘moderate’ category, individuals with asthma and lung or heart diseases can face breathing discomfort. In the ‘poor’ AQI category, most people are likely to experience breathing discomfort on prolonged exposure.
The current CO levels pose severe health risks to Gurgaon’s residents, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Authorities’ Response
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has called for stringent punitive actions and has instructed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to urge the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) to conduct inspections in hotspots where waste burning is rampant. The CAQM has also demanded updates on actions taken against violators and plans to eliminate open waste burning.
An HSPCB official stated, “We have asked municipal corporations to take steps to curb garbage burning incidents in the city. Immediate and strict enforcement of waste management protocols is necessary to mitigate this crisis.”
The Path Forward
The city’s authorities are being called upon to implement immediate measures to curb waste burning incidents and enforce stricter waste management protocols. Proactive steps such as increasing inspections, imposing fines on violators, and promoting community awareness about the dangers of waste burning are essential to address this pollution crisis.
As Gurgaon grapples with this unprecedented rise in carbon monoxide pollution, the collaborative efforts of residents, local authorities, and environmental organizations are crucial to improving air quality and safeguarding public health.
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