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Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Dusty roads, choked lungs: Poor AQI spikes rush at OPDs
Bhopal: Seasonal changes, along with high levels of airborne dust particles, are notably worsening breathing difficulties among individuals who already have respiratory conditions. According to Gandhi Medical College (GMC) pulmonologist and associate professor, Dr Parag Sharma, "We're seeing a 10% to 15% increase in acute exacerbations among patients with asthma and baseline chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The dust acts as a direct irritant, triggering inflammation and breathing difficulty, especially in vulnerable individuals." The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements indicate that PM10 levels in the city reached approximately 80 µg/m³ during Sunday's daylight hours. This level surpasses the World Health Organisation's suggested limit of 45 µg/m³ by about 40%. PM10 particles, which measure 10 micrometres or less in diameter, are approximately one-fifth to one-seventh as wide as a human hair, enabling them to travel deep within the respiratory system and cause inflammatory responses. Rising respiratory ailments are being observed in Bhopal's hospitals due to the absence of rain and deteriorating road conditions, which have led to increased dust levels. The combination of damaged roads and post-monsoon dust has caused air pollution to exceed permissible thresholds. Doctors across the city are seeing a noticeable uptick in patient with existing COPD, asthma and bronchitis. "We've seen a sharp rise in patients complaining of breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness. The dust from broken roads is a major contributor. It's not just an inconvenience, it's a public health hazard," said another health expert, seeking anonymity. The spike in pollution comes just weeks after the monsoon rains, which had temporarily settled airborne dust. But as the rains receded, vehicular movement on damaged roads began stirring up fine particulate matter again, leading to a double increase in the city's AQI — from 40s to upper 70s. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Wind energy body pegs FY26 capacity addition at 6-7 GW
The factors include delay in land acquisition, lack of power evacuation infrastructure, non-signing of power purchase agreements and non-compliance of renewable energy purchase obligations (RPOs). A problem that the wind industry points out is the law-and-order problem in some states that leads to delays in setting up wind projects. 'Implementation is becoming tougher with each passing year. In practice, even with twice the compensation as per government notified rates, the landowners are not allowing us to work on transmission lines and producers face multiple issues related to theft, filing FIRs, etc.,' said Parag Sharma, president of WIPPA. Wind's direction According to WIPPA, wind energy project tenders of around 2.5 GW were cancelled in the last two years and 5 GW in the last five years apart from many solar energy projects. Lower availability of the wind sites, high tariff of the wind energy, delayed PPA signing, lack of the evacuation infrastructure, lower participation of the bidder and undersubscription of the bids are some of the factors contributing to the cancellations. 'While the lowest tariff bidding system led to capacity addition only in a few states, transmission infrastructure plan was unevenly distributed,' Sharma said. Way forward Much of the wind tenders now come as a part of firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects, which are bundled with solar power. Pure wind tenders are much less and will likely remain the same in the future, according to industry experts. Around 60 GW of renewable energy projects that were tendered in the last few years remain without power purchase agreements. The government has said that it is working on resolving the issues leading to non-signing of purchase agreements with distribution companies. "Unlocking the full potential of wind energy in India requires a focused approach that addresses structural challenges such as land acquisition issues, transmission constraints, and procedural delays,' N Venu, managing director and CEO, Hitachi Energy , India and South Asia said.. Proper planning of future needs, especially by states, is the need of the hour, Sharma of WIPPA said, adding that there is enough demand for renewable energy. "We are optimistic about the sector's long-term growth trajectory. With continued focus on grid modernization, hybrid solutions,and digitalization, we hope to see more momentum in the coming time, which aligns with the country's renewable energy ambitions," Venu said.
