Nearly 700 vehicles are added to the streets of Chennai every day
Air pollution levels in Chennai have reached a record high with the suspended particulate matter in many pockets of the city at 45 per cent above the permissible limit, according to data analysed by
The Hindu. So high are the pollution levels that Chennai has crossed Delhi, widely regarded as the most polluted city in the country, and one of the most polluted in the world.
With the rains staying away, air quality in Chennai is getting worse every day.
The industrial belt in north Chennai has always been a polluting factor. And while the Metro may eventually reduce pollution, for now the added construction and traffic jams are only making matters worse, especially in south Chennai.
More than 700 new vehicles get added every day to Chennai's roads, which contributes to a rise in Sulphur dioxide levels.
"Traffic is moving at snails speed. That is one of the major reasons behind the Sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide emission. But when compared to other yes it is disturbing," explains Dr P Sudhakar, Joint Director, CPR Environmental Education Centre.
Chennai's new record in air pollution is something the people of the city are not proud of.
"My face changes with dust when I travel on the road. So I wear a helmet. Not because of the government's mandate but to protect my face from air pollution," says a young professional Karthi.
Another young professional, Priya, adds, "We can use more public transportation, in fact, in Chennai we have got the Metro now."
With the Metro rail project scheduled to continue at least for another two years, there may not be any immediate relief for the people of Chennai.