WHILE Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA’s) newly-introduced cell broadcast system is helping people cope with PM.2.5 air pollution the situation in the capital today (Jan. 14) is not as severe as the same time last year as there are only three to four red-alert districts, TV Channel 7 said.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the average concentration of PM2.5, which are tiny particulate matter that can dangerously clog lungs, across the city was 58.1 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), exceeding the standard limit 37.5 µg/m³.
A red alert was declared at Bang Rak, which registered highest PM2.5 value at 86.9 µg/m³, as well as Pathum Wan, Sathorn and Chatuchak The main cause is stagnant air and low ventilation rates.
This overall improvement in PM2.5 pollution is due to the cooperation of six neighbouring provinces that have refrained from burning biomass with traffic now being the primary cause.
A significant difference this year is the implementation of a cell broadcast system for immediate PM2.5 air pollution warnings. When people enter areas with red-level air pollution, they will automatically receive alert messages advising them to refrain from outdoor activities and take appropriate precautions. This is a collaboration between BMA and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to enhance risk communication and enable the public to respond promptly.
Regarding Work From Home measures, the Bangkok governor clarified that no additional arrangements will be announced at this time, as improved weather and ventilation are anticipated. However, if any agency can implement it, they are encouraged to consider allowing Work From Home one to two days a week to reduce traffic which is a key source of dust in the city.
As for the Low Emission Zone measure, which will restrict access of large trucks (six wheels or more) within the Ratchadaphisek Ring Road, covering all 50 districts of Bangkok, the BMA is ready to implement it immediately if the air pollution situation worsens to a critical level, such as when there are five or more red-level zones or if air pollution remains stagnant for two to three consecutive days.
The key objective is to incentivise businesses to maintain their engines and change engine oil as well as refrain from using vehicles that emit excessive black smoke.
Chatchart emphasised that, overall, the number of days with air pollution exceeding the standard has decreased by approximately 40% this year compared to last year, due to the continuous implementation of structural measures.
He also requested cooperation from the public during critical weeks in wearing PM 2.5 masks whenever outdoors, closely monitor information via the AirBKK application, and report any source of dust or vehicles emitting black smoke immediately via the Traffy Fondue system.
CAPTIONS:
File photos of air pollution in Bangkok. Above image – NNT, Front Page image – Sanook.com
Insert – Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt. Photo – Thai Rath
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