Date:24/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/24/stories/2007102453601000.htm

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Karnataka - Mysore

Findings of study on air quality likely next month

Staff Correspondent

Experts from Chennai carried out the test in Mysore

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

SURVEY: A technician from CPR Environment Education Centre, Chennai, during the study in Mysore.

MYSORE: The findings of a survey conducted by a team of experts from CPR Environment Education Centre, Chennai, with support from Mysore Grahakara Parishat and volunteers of JSS Law College, on air quality, noise level and vehicular flow in Mysore city in September, are expected by November 15.

The survey assumes significance in the wake of reports on the rise in noise and air pollution level here because of the rise in the number of vehicles.

The city police also launched drives recently to tackle the problem.

The survey, sponsored by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, was conducted at three places, K.R. Circle (commercial), Chamundipuram (residential) and V.V. Mohalla (industrial).

“The findings will throw more light on air quality and noise level and help the enforcement authorities here to chalk out plans to check the trend,” Venkatesan of the grahakara parishat said.

The rise in the air and noise pollution level has become a cause of concern. Adulteration of petrol and diesel has further escalated air pollution, according to the city police.

Metropolises are facing serious air and noise pollution, mostly from smoke emitted from vehicles and industries.

But, Mysore, which is only known for its tourism potential, is facing the problem because of its proximity to Bangalore which has several information technology companies and other industries.

As a first step, the police asked vehicle users to subject their vehicles to emission tests with an aim to minimising pollution.

Though emission check is mandatory for vehicles, only 20 per cent to 30 per cent of the vehicles, according to sources in the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, were subjected to emission checks.

The Regional Transport Office (RTO), the city police and the Department of Food and Civil Supplies launched a drive to check the growing number of vehicles, especially autorickshaws, running on adulterated fuel.

According to RTO sources, the number of vehicles in Mysore has increased by almost 50,000 since January 2006, taking it to 3,70,000. An estimated 3,000 vehicles are registered in Mysore every month.

About 80 per cent of the new vehicles registered in Mysore are two-wheelers. With the present rate of growth, the number of automobiles plying on the city’s roads will reach the four-lakh mark by the end of this year.

Though the authorities are widening roads and installing traffic signals at busy junctions, the choking of thoroughfares by toxic gas-spewing vehicles has begun to make commuting a harrowing experience in Mysore.

Medical practitioners here say that noise more than 85 decibels can lead to hearing damage. This will also put the victim at the risk of heart disease, they say.

Speech and hearing experts here say there is not enough awareness about the many aspects of environment pollution, including noise pollution. Unlike air, water, land/soil pollution, noise pollution was not taken seriously in the country, they say.