Balasore Acts on Alarming Air Quality
The district administration of Balasore in Odisha has declared a series of stringent measures to address a sharp decline in air quality. This decisive action, announced on Monday, comes as the town's Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the "very poor" category, raising significant public health concerns.
Details of the Emergency Measures
Invoking powers under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), authorities have rolled out restrictions set to last for an initial period of 7 days. Officials stated that this duration could be extended if pollution levels do not show satisfactory improvement.
The key directives include:
- A complete ban on all construction activities between 6 pm and 10 am.
- Prohibition of demolition and earthwork within the limits of the urban local body.
- Restrictions on the movement of trucks in the area.
- A strict ban on the open burning of waste.
The district administration's order explicitly warned that violators will face legal action. "These steps are necessary to safeguard public health. Citizens are requested to cooperate fully with the administration," the official order stated.
A Pattern of Pollution Action in Odisha
This move in Balasore closely follows similar emergency interventions recently enacted in the industrial towns of Talcher and Angul. In those areas, pollution from industrial emissions and coal-related activities had driven air quality to dangerous levels.
While environmental experts have welcomed the administration's proactive stance, they emphasize the need for more sustainable solutions. Environmentalist Sailabala Padhi pointed out that temporary bans, though urgent, are not a long-term fix.
"Long-term strategies such as stricter emission norms, green buffers, and sustainable urban planning are required to ensure cleaner air across Odisha’s towns," Padhi remarked, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, state-wide approach to the growing air quality crisis.
