Ageing autos & fume fright

The smoke emitted by an autorickshaw in Siliguri on Wednesday. Picture by  Passang Yolmo

Avijit Sinha Feb 14, 2018, Siliguri: Decade-old diesel-run autos, coupled with the entry of thousands of vehicles from outside and depletion of green cover, are the key reasons for the deterioration in Siliguri's air quality.

Wednesday's data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed Siliguri's air-quality index (AQI) at 348, signifying "very poor" conditions that were one of the worst in the country.

"Moving in a two-wheeler behind an auto is a punishment. Many of these three-wheelers emit dense and black smoke. We doubt whether the pollution of these vehicles are checked at all. Most of these are 10 years old or even more," said Pradip Chakraborty, a retired government employee.

Another reason: the geographical location of Siliguri.

It is the principal transit point to the Northeast and is also the largest trading hub in north Bengal. Every day, thousands of vehicles arrive from these areas and even from neighbouring Bihar, Bhutan and Nepal. This adds to the traffic congestion pollutes the air, pointed experts.

"Unless alternative roads are developed to ensure smooth passage of vehicles which need through move through Siliguri and plans are made to spread the transport network by building new bus and truck terminuses on the fringes of Siliguri, the air will continue to get polluted in the city," said Avik Chakraborty, an engineer.

Leaders of Inttuc said they are also aware of the problem. "Earlier, we had placed such a proposal at the state transport department. There is also a proposal to scrap 15 years old," said Arup Ratan Ghosh, Darjeeling district Inttuc president.

Depletion of green cover is also a problem. "Due to huge population pressure, colonies and townships are coming up," said Animesh Bose, an activist.

Doctors have flashed an alert. "Such high pollution can lead to nasal and bronchial allergies, asthma and long-term exposure can cause pneumoconiosis," said a senior physician.