Korat steps up PM2.5 dust control and chasing some of 15 arsonists
THE authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) are imposing tougher control to decrease PM2.5 dust pollution with action being taken against 15 arsonists some of whom are still being chased after there were 25 forest fires during Jan. 1-25, Amarin TV said today (Jan. 27).
Mr. Suraphan Silpasuwan, deputy governor of this northeastern province, chaired a meeting with relevant agencies to follow up on controlling forest fires, smog and PM2.5 dust problem after a spike in the toxic dust level started affecting people’s health.
Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre said during Jan. 1-25 there were 25 forest fires destroying 6,016 rai of forest land with the main cause being search for forest products. Worst hit was Khong Buri district where 2,453 rai was burnt followed by Chaloem Phra Kiat and Pak Chong districts, at 1,700 rai each.
Police have already arrested five arsonists and are chasing 10 others for crop residue burning in 10 districts, with these being Phimai, Huai Thalaeng, Khong, Kham Thale So, Non Thai, Theparak, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Pak Chong and Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Bun Mak districts.
Suraphan said as toxic dust has started affecting people’s health all agencies are now strictly enforcing the law.
Village headmen have been told to explain to farmers why they should not burn crop residue while officials are inspecting large construction sites to ensure they comply with the Building Control Act B.E. 2522 with action also being taken against polluting vehicles.
However the air in Bangkok improved today with the PM2.5 reading at AQICN.org at 3 p.m. being 87 microgrammes per cubic metre compared to 120 µg/m³ recorded at 6 p.m. yesterday and 160 µg/m³ at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The reading for Nakhon Ratchasima at the same time today was 81 µg/m³.
For the standard value of PM 2.5 dust, the average over 24 hours should not exceed 37.5 µg/m³. If it exceeds this, it is considered to have an impact on health.
Photos: Amarin TV
This report originally appeared at www.thainewsroom.com
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