Real-time PM2.5 data coming to applications
Discussed: 16 Nov 2024 at 05: 00
According to Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, the government wants to reduce areas by 25 % this dry season compared to last year in order to reduce air pollution.
This is in response to Mr. Prasert’s meeting on Thursday at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, where government Chadchart Sittipunt and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on discussed how to overcome PM2.5 in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
Mr Prasert also visited the Pollution Control Department’s (PCD ) Center for Air Pollution Mitigation ( CAPM), which provides weekly forecasts and monitors PM2.5 levels.
PCD director-general Preeyaporn Suwanaked said weather value is projected to increase with the onset of winter, prompting more regular checking. She claimed that the CAPM works with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ), the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and other organizations to reduce pollution, particularly in high-alert scenarios.
Mr Prasert also proposed integrating PM2.5 improvements into government apps, given their high common use, to increase real-time information availability. He also made it clear that the committee on air pollution control held a meeting on three main issues: ongoing protective measures that will last until the next year, funding for PM2.5 reductions, and the creation of three checking committees to examine pollution sources in agricultural, industrial, and forest areas as well as in the BMR.
With the fast implementation of these actions, Mr. Prasert stated that the goal is to minimize hotspots by 25 % from last year.
Mr. Chadchart praised Bangkok’s regional control initiatives, including imposing restrictions on unregulated trucks in specific locations during high pollution periods.
To further curb pollution, the BMA is encouraging auto repair, with plans to work with the Ministry of Energy on a cost-sharing program for filtering and oil changes, aiming to reduce emissions from 500, 000 vehicles.
Additionally, if PM2.5 levels exceed 75 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³ ) in five districts for over two days, the BMA will activate work-from-home measures.