BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – Bangkok authorities consider declaring pollution control
zone as air quality worsens to “unhealthy” levels again on Monday, officials
say.
Air Quality Index (AQI) indicated air pollution in all areas
rose to “unhealthy” with fine dust particle PM2.5 climbed over safe level due
to weather pattern and emissions mainly from motor vehicles.
Chatree Watanakajane, Director of the Environment Office of
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said he would discuss the matter
with the Department of Pollution Control later on Monday.
The meeting would determine whether to declare pollution
control zone in the capital city as well as seek additional measures to curb
with toxic smog, he said.
So far, the BMA had constantly implemented measures to lower
PM2.5 level such as cleaning roads and enforce strict pollution control
regulations.
One of the main factors contributing to the pollution is
millions of diesel-powered trucks and buses in the capital city. BMA and the government have taken tougher
actions on these vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Department of Royal Rainmaking and
Agricultural Aviation deployed two aircraft with artificial rainmaking technology
to attempt to create downpours in Bangkok Monday afternoon.
Director of the Department Surasee Kittimonthon said the
weather conditions and clouds were conducive to artificial rainmaking.
Bangkok and its vicinity are suffering a huge volume of
PM2.5 pollution exceeding the safety limit of 50 micrograms per cubic
meter. The situation slightly improved
before the pollution problem worsened due to foggy condition and weak winds on
Monday.
According to the Meteorological Department, air quality
should improve on Tuesday when stronger winds are predicted. But experts have warned Bangkok could
experience high level of hazardous PM2.5 for weeks.(TNA)
