BANGKOK (NNT) – The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is to monitor for exhaust spewing automobiles more strictly, as it ramps up efforts against PM2.5 pollution.
PCD Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa said the national “particulate matter pollution remedy” plan has been re-evaluated, with particular tasks commissioned for crisis periods. Greater coordination is to be sought by the Air Pollution Resolution Center, to be better kept abreast of the situation. Stricter monitoring of exhaust spewing vehicles is to take place, encompassing small and large cars as well as public transport vehicles, for the sake of public health.
Between October 2019 and September 2020, the PCD has worked with Traffic Police and Bangkok district offices to check 9,539 vehicles. 7,010 were trucks or transport vehicles with 2,526 cited for pollution and fined. From 2,529 private cars checked, 390 were ordered off the road.
Preparations have been made against PM2.5 in Khon Kaen to reduce the severity of pollution this year. Readings over the past seven days have been in the range of 33-71 micrograms per cubic meter, considered mild to good. Director of the Khon Kaen Natural Resources and Environment Office Pichit Sombatmak revealed that all district offices in the province have been told to designate sites for shelters from air pollution, to carry out water spraying, to monitor garbage burning, to campaign against burning and to build leaf collecting receptacles, which have proven effective in the effort in the past.
