Saryu Roy slams pollution board for lack of real-time data

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy has raised serious concerns over the monitoring of air pollution in Jamshedpur, stating that the State Pollution Control Board lacks real-time pollution data. In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum, he questioned the effectiveness of a newly formed team investigating pollution levels in the city.

Roy acknowledged the Chief Minister’s initiative in addressing Jamshedpur’s pollution but expressed doubts about its success. He stated, “The Pollution Control Board does not have accurate online real-time data. It has failed to perform its duty properly. Even in the Assembly, the Board gave a misleading response to my question about pollution levels in Jamshedpur and other parts of Jharkhand.”

As per Ambient Air Quality Standard, 2009, factories must install Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS) to measure 12 key pollution parameters in real time. However, Roy pointed out that only a few factories have installed these systems, and even those tamper with sensors. Furthermore, no monitoring devices are installed at public places like Sakchi Chowk, Burmamines Chowk, Dimna Chowk, Mango Chowk, or Bistupur Chowk, making it impossible to get accurate pollution data for the city.

Roy also criticized industries for neglecting the installation of Online Continuous Emissions and Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS), which should be connected directly to the Pollution Control Board’s server. “Even if a team is formed, how will they obtain accurate data when the Pollution Control Board itself is careless and inefficient?” he questioned.

Additionally, he highlighted administrative lapses, stating that the State Pollution Control Board’s Secretary and Chairman have not been appointed as per rules for years, despite a High Court contempt case against the state government. Roy further criticized the Forest Department official heading the Pollution Board, stating that holding multiple key positions weakens pollution monitoring efforts.

Calling for urgent action, Roy emphasized, “The Chief Minister should know that real relief will come only by addressing the root cause of pollution. Forming a team at the Deputy Commissioner level is not the right solution.” He also noted that a similar issue was raised in the Assembly on March 24, 2023, but the government’s response was inaccurate.

Roy urged the government to take pollution control seriously and implement real-time monitoring to safeguard public health in Jamshedpur.