Tighter norms, sustained efforts lower AQI levels in Dhanbad

Time of India

2 days ago

Dhanbad: In a significant environmental development, the air quality in Dhanbad's coal belt showed marked improvement over the past five years. Levels of PM-10 (particulate matter), a key pollutant, decreased from 300 to 144, offering a breath of fresh air to city residents long plagued by pollution.
The update was shared by municipal commissioner Raviraj Sharma while addressing a national seminar organised at IIT –ISM premises to mark World Environment Day on Thursday.
"It is a positive indication for the city's atmosphere. The consistent drop in PM-10 levels reflects the success of our pollution control measures," Sharma said. He also credited the ongoing plantation drives across the city for playing a crucial role in the improvement.
Authorities linked the change to strict environmental regulations, better waste management, and sustained green campaigns. Sharma emphasised that various civic initiatives launched in recent years, including plantation, dust suppression, and road cleaning, contributed to the cleaner air.
The city, once notorious for its poor sanitation, was labelled the dirtiest in the country during the first survey under the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2016.
Since then, the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation ramped up efforts to transform its image and environment.
Experts at the seminar noted that while the improvement in PM-10 levels is commendable, more needs to be done to curb other pollutants like PM-2.5 and industrial emissions. Welcoming the development, they urged the adminisrtration expand their efforts to include industrial zones and residential areas most affected by coal dust and vehicular pollution.