In a major concern, the pollution level in the Chenani-Nashri tunnel has risen much higher to the permissible limits, a scientific study has shown.
The analysis has established that the pollution level inside the 9.2 km long tunnel has risen to an alarming 498 RSPM (respiratory suspended particulate matter) which is 5 times higher the permissible limits.
As per the official figures available with Greater Kashmir, the pollution level at the south portal of the tunnel, while going to Srinagar from Jammu, has been recorded as 498 RSPM and 851 SPM (suspended particulate matter), whereas the permissible limit is 100 RSPM.
Similarly, at north portal of the tunnel, while coming to Jammu from Srinagar, the pollution level has been found too high. It has been recorded as 177 RSPM and 425 SPM, which is also much higher the permissible limits.
Pertinently, it was claimed that the Chenani-Nashri tunnel would be safe from pollution.
“The first scientific monitoring of the north and south portals of the tunnel was done on March 6 to ascertain the pollution level inside the tunnel. The results showed the pollution inside the tunnel has gone much beyond the permissible limits,” reliable sources informed. They said that in view of the alarming pollution inside the tunnel, it has been decided that the scientific monitoring will now be done on monthly basis so that “remedial measures could be taken”.
Although, several remedial measures have been recommended to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), they are yet be acted upon, sources said adding, “One of the main reasons of alarming pollution is the dilapidated road leading to the tunnel.
Legal advisor, State Pollution Control Board, MM Shah, when contacted, said they have requested the NHAI to macadamize the road so that pollution level is brought down.
“We have recommended to the NHAI to macadamize kacha road leading to the tunnel but it has not been done so far,” Shah informed.
“The Environment Committee of Legislative Assembly in its meeting held recently recommended to the NHAI to install online monitoring system in the middle of the tunnel so that monitoring is done 24X7 and real time data could be generated and remedial measures be taken accordingly,” sources informed.
The online monitoring system will be connected with the main servers of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Union Ministry of Environment, NHAI and the SPCB.
Shah said, “We have recommended that causeways filled with water be constructed on either side of the tunnel so that the tyres of the vehicles entering the tunnel are washed and dust doesn’t enter the tunnel”.
It may be mentioned that the Chenani-Nashri tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 April 2017 and within a year the pollution has reached to such an alarming level.
The Chenani-Nashri tunnel is India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional highway tunnel.
The travel time on highway between Jammu and Srinagar has been reduced by almost 2 hours by the tunnel.