Tyto dny...

8 Northern provinces see higher level of dust

PHRAE, 18 February 2012 (NNT) – Forest fires and slash and burn agriculture are causing environmental problems in the North where eight provinces are experiencing a higher level of dust.

According to the Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment in Phrae, the amount of dust particles smaller than 10 microns is measured between 83 and 192 microgram per cubic meter, which is considered to be moderately high to health-affecting.

Dust levels in Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Chiang Rai, and Phayao are above the standard level. Officials are calling on the public not to do slash and burn agriculture, burn garbage and clear forest areas with a fire. Forest fire control areas have been designated to alleviate the problem.

The situation is most worrying in Lampang where the phenomenon has come earlier than previous years. The smoke there is reported to be very thick and the dust level is higher than previous years.

In Chiang Mai, the dust level is also climbing. The governor has instructed local administrative offices to discuss measures to control the dust level. He has also asked the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and the navy to help with the rain-making operation at areas with critically thick smoke.

In Mae Hong Son, officials have also urged the locals to protect themselves from the dust when leaving their houses. The dust was reported to have caused Nok Air to halt its flights by one hour yesterday.


News ID: 255502180006


Reporter : Vipaporn Pooritanasarn

News Date : 18 Febuary 2012


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Haze pollution remains in North


วันเสาร์ ที่ 18 ก.พ. 2555



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CHIANG MAI, Feb 18 - Thailand's northern provinces of Chiang Mai remained covered by haze pollution while concerned agencies planned to use artificial rain to abate particulate dust particles, which are rising above safe levels.
Chiang Mai governor Panadda Disakul said haze pollution blanketed the province for a second day and that he has instructed district chiefs to impose strict measures against those lighting fires in farm and forest areas.

The governor however conceded that it was difficult to control the situation, which has enveloped the northern region, with several provinces facing levels of dust particles rising over all safe levels.

Mr Panadda said a meeting of concerned agencies will be held this week to jointly find an overall solution and to seek cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to use artificial rains to solve the problem.

If the situation worsens, the governor said, C-130 transport aircraft will be used to spray water over the skies of Chiang Mai provincial seat.

On Saturday, dust particles were measured at 179.16 microns at Chiang Mai City Hall.
Local residents began wearing surgical masks in an attempt to avoid eye and nose irritation.
Haze pollution remained critical in Lampang province on Saturday despite rain yesterday evening.
Dust levels at the city pillar shrine was measured on Saturday at 235.33 micrograms per cubic metre.

Chamnong Boonsil, Protected Area Regional Office 13 Lampang Branch, said smog at the city shrine is higher than other areas as it is located in an enclosed area, near a garbage dump and surrounded by construction sites.

Other areas - particularly Mae Mo district - which are covered by smog, but at less critical level than near the city pillar shrine, were believed to be caused by slash and burn farming. (MCOT online news)