Kochi Metro works add to air pollution

KOCHI: Over the past two years, the Metro Rail construction has contributed to the increase in air pollution and cases of respiratory ailments in the city.

Though no survey has been carried out to check the extent of damage on the ambient air quality caused by Metro works, doctors in hospitals along the Metro corridor confirm that more number of auto drivers, Metro workers and those exposed to the dust come with respiratory complaints.

“On an average, over 30 new patients come in the respiratory OP per day. Many patients have been confirmed with pulmonary tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis and asthma,” said Dr. Anitha Thilakan, assistant professor of Respiratory Medicine at Cochin Cooperative Medical College.

As per the agreement, civil contractors of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation have to take remedial steps to mitigate dust and pollutants billowed up from construction sites.

However, proper norms to minimize environmental damage are not being followed by the contractors. In many areas like Vyttila, Kadavanthra, Palarivattom and Kaloor, dust from Metro sites is a major health hazard for thousands of commuters.