MPCB to set up two Ambient Air Monitoring Stations
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 07 2020: Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Chairman L Radhakishor said that the board will be setting up two Ambient Air Monitoring Stations in the State under the aegis of Central Pollution Control Board.

Speaking to media persons at Lamphelpat today about the tests conducted by units of MPCB at different locations in Imphal, the Chairman continued that several drives/tests were carried out to examine the condition of the air, water, noise and smoke in the State as another preventive measure of the COVID-19 epidemic.

He stated that the rapid yet drastic changes in the environment and atmosphere have made it possible for many epidemic outbreak while the present condition of the ecosystem and climate in Manipur has changed as well.

Radhakishore continued that the number of auto-rickshaw playing along the roads in Manipur is far greater than any other States and explained that these vehicles are a major source of noise, smoke and air pollution.

On the other hand, even though the normal life-span of a vehicle is around 15 years, there are many in Manipur which are well past these period, he added, stressing on the need for testing and identifying such vehicles and informing that the Manipur Pollution Control Board has the necessary facilities for conducting these tests.

He then appealed to one and all to work together to protect the environment and even reasoned that the recent case of Covid-19 is also related to the change in the environment.

Radhakishore conveyed that banning plastic thinner than 50 micron has led to some positive developments.

Even if such plastic are used, their popularity has been reduced drastically, he added, further appealing to the people to refrain from carelessly discarding plastic wastes in an attempt to save the Loktak lake as ell.

Under the Central Pollution Control Board, the Manipur Pollution Control Board will establish two ambient air monitoring stations which will help make the people aware about the quality of air and water resources in the State, Radhakishore said.

On the other hand, Air Pollution Section I Sankar said that pollution tests were conducted at the area near Post Office and explained that to avoid inconveniences to the public, random 50 vehicles were singled out at constant interval and checked for their pollution levels.

Around 17 vehicles were found unfit, he said, adding that they were found exceeding the permissible pollution limit.

As per the Vehicle Act and Rules, all vehicles need to have a pollution under control certificate.

However, most people have little to no knowledge about this fact.

Today's testing was done under gruelling conditions as the MPCB does not have the necessary authority to seize and detain the vehicles, he explained.

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