Pollution hits dangerous levels in Srinagar during winters: Study

The study, jointly conducted by a team of scientists from Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and University of Kashmir, found that the air quality deteriorates significantly during the winters in the city, known as one of the world''s major tourist destination and also for its pristine environment.

In a surprising find, a study has revealed that pollution in Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir hits dangerous levels during winter months as the air carries five times more tiny particulate matter than the permissible limit, with the experts terming it a worrying development.

The study, jointly conducted by a team of scientists from Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and University of Kashmir, found that the air quality deteriorates significantly during the winters in the city, known as one of the world's major tourist destination and also for its pristine environment.

"Long term monitoring of fine particulate matter, PM2.5, responsible for deteriorating human health, has been done and the results indicate that air quality of the capital city Srinagar deteriorates significantly during the winter," the study, conducted between May 2013 and April 2014 and the report of which was released recently, said.

It found that PM 2.5 levels in winter touched 348 micro-grams per cubic metre five times higher than the national permissible limit of 60 micro-grams per cubic metre, mainly due to the use of coal for domestic purpose.

"The level of PM2.5 touches a peak value of 348 micro-grams per cubic metre against the Indian permissible limit of 60 micro-grams per cubic metre. The emissions due to domestic coal usage are found to be 1246.4 tons/year, which accounts for 84 per cent of the total annual emissions,"