An environmental status report of the Kochi Corporation which would feature air, water and sound quality levels is on the cards.
The Centre for Heritage Environment and Development and the SCMS Water Institute, Karukutty, will jointly draw up the report which will be an indicator on the environment health of the city. The Kochi Corporation had allotted Rs.20 lakh for the work.
Quality of air, soil and sound, land use patterns, open spaces and parks, drainage and canal systems, slums and its impact will be monitored for the report. The patches of mangroves and ecologically sensitive locations, solid waste management, sewerage management of the backwaters of Kochi will also be included in the study.
The study aims to understand the effects of urban environment on health, culture and well-being of people. An assessment of the status of the coastal part of Kochi with special reference to Kochi backwater area will also be taken up.
The report will suggest conservation measures for open spaces and green areas, which are fast shrinking in the urban landscape.
Steps for rejuvenation
An analysis of the environment parameters will help to formulate recommendations which can be implemented at the Municipal Corporation level as well as the State and Central government level for rejuvenating the environmental health of Kochi, according to the concept note of the project.
Air quality will be assessed using high volume sampler to determine particulate matter less than 10 micron, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX).
The particulate matter of size less than 10 micron can cause health issues. Inhalation of SO2 is known to cause lung irritation and its high concentrations can be toxic whereas NOX can cause respiratory disorders and damage to lung tissues.
Noise pollution will be tracked at various locations in the city using Sound Level meter to determine the spatial distribution and the areas where the permissible noise level is exceeded.
