Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Taj Mahal - Pollution Monitoring Equipment Report:
Whilst looking into this whole pollution thing at the Taj Mahal, I came across this classic Indian report on the progress of the monitoring of pollutants in the area:
Essentially an inspection was made of all the pollution monitoring equipment in Agra on May 19, 2000. All the equipment was found to be inoperable as they had no chemicals which were needed in the monitoring process. I quote:
The team found that none of the Air Quality Monitoring Machines were working. The Fluorescent SO2 Analyser Model 100A, API Incorp., the Chemiluminescent NOX Analyser - Model 200A bought through M/s. SICO, Delhi in July 1998, SO2 Analyser - D.K.K. (Japan) January 1981, Sl. No. 20810 lying in the room were not in working order at all. Mr. Gupta stated that for the first two machines the spare parts were not available and so these were not working since October, 1999. He stated that the third machine SO2 Analyser from Japan was shut since April, 1994. Hence, the analysing machines of two polluting gases which are crucial for the protection of the Taj, were not functioning. This means the ASI has no information whatsoever about the quantity and effects of polluting gases on the Taj.
The team then carried out an inspection of the Laboratory Stores available at the Monitoring Station. It found that the essential chemical solvents to do the analyses of polluting gases, even if the machines mentioned above are functioning, were not available. The probes for measuring the acid/alkali content of the polluting gases were absolutely dry, when the requirement is that these should be kept in water all the time. The Filter Papers for collecting the Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the Air around the Taj through the High Volume Sampler (HVS) were also not available. There is the non-functional electrical balance available in the station. The filter papers are taken to the ASI Chemistry Laboratory located at Red Fort in Agra.
Even if, the machines on the roof top, the analysers in the room are functioning and the necessary materials like filters and solvents are available, still the Monitoring Station can not monitor the gases and dust that are known to be harmful for the Taj. This is so because there is no electricity available to the monitoring station, despite the orders of this Hon’ble Court. Further there is no backup system available to enable the machines and analysers to function.
Even if the machinery was in working order and the chemicals were present there is the little problem of no power. All the equipment in the world will do no use without power. Nobody thought about this. Bet your bottom dollar the situation is exactly the same today 4 years later.
The report goes on to say about the construction in the area. They discovered, contrary to all building regulations for the area surrounding the Taj, that buildings were being put up within 50 metres of the gates of the Taj. Further quote:
The team discovered two shocking facts of constructions in the immediate vicinity of the Taj less than 50 meters away from the Eastern Gate wall of the Taj. The first fact was the digging of four deep foundations with four R.C.C. iron rods beams ready for erection and pouring in of concrete. This prohibited construction in terms of the Union Govt. notification was going on right under the nose of the police picket stationed there itself. The team members rang up the SP City on his Mobile Phone No. 9837004521 to ask him about this digging and construction. He expressed complete surprise on being given this information. The Head Constable Mr. Ajaib Singh of the 15 Provincial Armed Constabulary A.Co., Agra, who is Incharge of the picket had no explanation for what was being done right in front of him.
It just doesn't get any better than this. You have to laugh. Then you think about the criminal damage that is being done. It makes me very poorly.
Whilst looking into this whole pollution thing at the Taj Mahal, I came across this classic Indian report on the progress of the monitoring of pollutants in the area:
Essentially an inspection was made of all the pollution monitoring equipment in Agra on May 19, 2000. All the equipment was found to be inoperable as they had no chemicals which were needed in the monitoring process. I quote:
The team found that none of the Air Quality Monitoring Machines were working. The Fluorescent SO2 Analyser Model 100A, API Incorp., the Chemiluminescent NOX Analyser - Model 200A bought through M/s. SICO, Delhi in July 1998, SO2 Analyser - D.K.K. (Japan) January 1981, Sl. No. 20810 lying in the room were not in working order at all. Mr. Gupta stated that for the first two machines the spare parts were not available and so these were not working since October, 1999. He stated that the third machine SO2 Analyser from Japan was shut since April, 1994. Hence, the analysing machines of two polluting gases which are crucial for the protection of the Taj, were not functioning. This means the ASI has no information whatsoever about the quantity and effects of polluting gases on the Taj.
The team then carried out an inspection of the Laboratory Stores available at the Monitoring Station. It found that the essential chemical solvents to do the analyses of polluting gases, even if the machines mentioned above are functioning, were not available. The probes for measuring the acid/alkali content of the polluting gases were absolutely dry, when the requirement is that these should be kept in water all the time. The Filter Papers for collecting the Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the Air around the Taj through the High Volume Sampler (HVS) were also not available. There is the non-functional electrical balance available in the station. The filter papers are taken to the ASI Chemistry Laboratory located at Red Fort in Agra.
Even if, the machines on the roof top, the analysers in the room are functioning and the necessary materials like filters and solvents are available, still the Monitoring Station can not monitor the gases and dust that are known to be harmful for the Taj. This is so because there is no electricity available to the monitoring station, despite the orders of this Hon’ble Court. Further there is no backup system available to enable the machines and analysers to function.
Even if the machinery was in working order and the chemicals were present there is the little problem of no power. All the equipment in the world will do no use without power. Nobody thought about this. Bet your bottom dollar the situation is exactly the same today 4 years later.
The report goes on to say about the construction in the area. They discovered, contrary to all building regulations for the area surrounding the Taj, that buildings were being put up within 50 metres of the gates of the Taj. Further quote:
The team discovered two shocking facts of constructions in the immediate vicinity of the Taj less than 50 meters away from the Eastern Gate wall of the Taj. The first fact was the digging of four deep foundations with four R.C.C. iron rods beams ready for erection and pouring in of concrete. This prohibited construction in terms of the Union Govt. notification was going on right under the nose of the police picket stationed there itself. The team members rang up the SP City on his Mobile Phone No. 9837004521 to ask him about this digging and construction. He expressed complete surprise on being given this information. The Head Constable Mr. Ajaib Singh of the 15 Provincial Armed Constabulary A.Co., Agra, who is Incharge of the picket had no explanation for what was being done right in front of him.
It just doesn't get any better than this. You have to laugh. Then you think about the criminal damage that is being done. It makes me very poorly.
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