Govt Prepares Major Measure to Tackle Dust

BANGKOK, Oct 1 (TNA) – The government has prepared three major measures to contain PM2.5 particulate matter to stop tiny dust emissions from the sources such as burning of farm waste. Interior Minister, Gen.Anupong Paochinda said action plans will be implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Pollution Control to curb dust, reduce dust from its source and increase efficiency in implementation of anti-pollution measures. Gen. Anupong said people also have to help reduce particulate matter emissions from individuals’ diesel-powered cars and agencies concerned have to strictly ban the use of vehicles, which cause air pollution. If the situation gets worse, the law on building construction control and traffic will be strictly enforced, he said. In yesterday’s meeting with provincial governors on Monday, the interior minister said he instructed governors to prepare measures to handle open burning of farm waste, especially in sugar cane and corn plantations in the harvest season this November. Farm waste will be used to make charcoal or compost instead to prevent air pollution from burning. Meanwhile, the public health ministry has opened air pollution clinics at hospitals under the Department of Medical Services, starting today after PM 2.5 particular matter level rose to unhealthy levels in many areas in Bangkok. The meteorological department forecast more rain in the upper part of the country including Bangkok from today to Oct 6. About 40-60 per cent of the capital is expected to see rainfall this week and it could alleviate the ultra-fine dust problem, said the department’s deputy director-general, Kornrawee Sitthichivapak. (TNA)