Haryana to Launch Portal to Analyse Air Pollution Data

Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will roll out a web portal to analyse per hour air quality data from construction and demolition (C&D) sites across the state in January. The portal, with video fencing with remote connectivity and a live dashboard for easy monitoring, will be operational within a week, said HSPCB secretary S Narayana. The move comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas on December 20 directed the state to commission a portal by January 22 over the spike in air pollution during winter owing to a combination of adverse meteorological factors and local emission due to C&D waste, dust, waste burning, vehicular emissions and stubble burning. “The technological shift will help project proponents to self-audit and certify compliance of stipulated dust control measures and strengthen monitoring of dust control measures at C&D sites. The project proponents are also expected to upload the self-declaration on a fortnightly basis,” Narayana said. According to the officials, the PCB will make it mandatory for all C&D projects on more than 500 square metres to register with the web portal, install reliable and economical PM2.5 and PM10 sensors at project sites and link them to a platform with live dashboard accessibility for CPCB, government agencies and administrative departments concerned. The C&D sites will also have to ensure the implementation of dust control measures, including covering construction material and debris, using water sprinklers and anti-smog guns.