Chennai: Air pollution takes Manali’s breath away

CHENNAI: In the past couple of weeks, every time truck driver G N Venkatesan visited

Manali

, it took a toll on him. "I come to load and unload consignments at a firm in Manali. The thick smog through the day has reduced visibility. I am also suffering from cough and itchiness all over my body."


In the neighbourhoods of Madhavaram, Kodungaiyur and Korukkupet complaints of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing and breathlessness have become common. "The number of people coming with respiratory problems is thrice than usual," said Dr S A Suganathan, who has been practising medicine for almost four decades at MKB Nagar, said,

With Manali and Kodungaiyur in

north Chennai

clocking pollution levels higher than parts of Delhi, the signs of physical discomfort due to

air pollution

are increasingly becoming apparent. While Manali topped with the real time air quality index (AQI) of 323 around noon, Kodungaiyur was at 290. In comparison, Delhi’s

AQI

on Saturday was 175. Manali residents said the haze and smog had not reduced since Diwali.

It’s worse for those on the road. Almost 60% of police personnel stationed at various locations in the region too complain of cough and respiratory problems. "I have complaints of choking and my tongue often turns dry. Many of my friends are suffering from dry cough and rashes on the body. And it happens whenever they visit Manali," says traffic constable R Anburaj, who now sports a mask over his mouth and nose and goggles to avoid irritation in the eyes. Another truck driver, Maanbu, of Neyyadupakkam village near Kancheepuram, said, "Whenever I visit Manali I fall ill. I was constantly sneezing for the past couple of days."

Inside homes, clean air can only be ensured with gadgets. "We use air purifiers at our house after locking all doors, which keeps our surrounding clean and pure," said Aishwarya, a resident of Mathur-MMDA.