With a population of over 1.2 million people, Chandigarh is one of the rapidly growing cities in our country. The beautiful city of Chandigarh, also known as one of the cleanest and well planned cities of India, is preferred by many to live in. Chandigarh has also topped the list of cities with the most number of vehicles per individual. As per the reports submitted by Pollution Control Committee, Chandigarh, the number of cars in has doubled in the last 10 years.
Number of vehicles in Chandigarh
According to a report published in Amar Ujala, Pollution Control Committee stated that there has been a 107% increase in the number of vehicles (2 wheelers) and (4 wheelers) both.
- In the year 2005, there were 162263 Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) in Chandigarh whereas in year 2014 the number reached up to 335424 4 wheelers.
- If we talk about 2-wheelers, then in year 2005, there were 431063 two-wheeler vehicles which increased to 6333181 in the year 2014.
Pollution Levels in Chandigarh
It is often seen that pollution level usually increases during Diwali and winters. Bursting of crackers, wood and other harmful substances add to the rising pollution standards. Good news is that Chandigarh’s RSPM has remained the same since the last 10 years. In fact, in some parts, pollution levels have declined.
Delhi recorded an RSPM (PM – 10) level of 950 microgram per cubic meter whereas Chandigarh noted an RSPM of 165 microgram per cubic meter. Usually the RSPM recorded is 100 but it reached 165 during Diwali. Although the level is under control we need to ensure that the level remain the same.
Problems that need not be ignored
- Traffic jams are becoming a common scene in the city and it is becoming difficult to manage the rising vehicular population. The sharp rise is creating a chaos at all the major junctions, especially during the office hours in morning and evening.
- City beautiful, although well planned, has limited road space and with the increasing vehicles per household, traffic management is becoming next to impossible.
- With toxic chemicals hovering above our ecosystem, air pollution has become a major cause of concern for all human beings. With the smog engulfing Delhi and killing many, pollution has raised alarming questions which need to be solved immediately. Long-term exposure to air pollution causes chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and other fatal diseases. Air pollution leads to respiratory infections, heart diseases and lung cancer. Increasing pollution affects the overall health of adults as well as kids. Kids are harmed the most as they are tender and tend to develop severe prolonged infections.
The question is where will so many vehicles run? Our roads are already full of traffic jams and we don’t want Chandigarh to become like New Delhi.
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