Cabinet okays anti-pollution measures proposed by PCD

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2019
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The Cabinet approved the three measures proposed by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to tackle air pollution in Greater Bangkok, Cabinet spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Tuesday (October 1).

“These measures are based on the lessons learned from similar problems back in 2017 and 2018,” she said.

The three measures to be implemented are:
1. Coping with pressing problems and crises more efficiently;
2. Tackling with pollution at the source;
3. Boosting management efficiency.”

Narumon said the first measure tackles smog on a stage-by-stage basis, such as it’s business as usual when PM2.5 is lower than 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air (µg/m3), tighter controls will be in place when PM2.5 is between 51µg/m3 and 75µg/m3 and strict controls will be implemented when it exceeds 76µg/m3 but does not exceed 100µg/m3.

"When pollution exceeds the 100µg/m3 mark, the Pollution Control Department and National Environment Board can present emergency measures to the prime minister to execute immediately,” she said.

Meanwhile, the second and third measures will be implemented on a short-term basis from 2018 to 2021 and in the long-term from 2022 to 2024, the spokesperson added.