Rising Pollution Concerns in Chiang Mai
The Chiang Mai Breathe Council, a civil group focused on environmental and health issues, has raised concerns about the insufficient number of clean air rooms in the province. The council highlighted that many high-risk districts still lack access to these essential facilities, despite the ongoing deterioration of PM2.5 pollution levels.
According to data from the Department of Health, out of Chiang Mai’s 25 districts, only 13 have established clean air rooms for their residents. The remaining 12 districts, including Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Doi Tao, Omkoi, Wiang Haeng, Mae On, and Galyani Vadhana, do not have any such facilities. These areas are particularly vulnerable due to their mountainous locations, which are often affected by severe seasonal haze and wildfires.
Currently, there are 45 public clean air rooms, 14 dust-proof shelters in three districts, and just 12 registered dust-free households in five districts. However, the council pointed out that some of these facilities may not be equipped with air purifiers or filtration systems, limiting their effectiveness in protecting residents from harmful pollutants.
Improving Access to Clean Air Rooms
The Chiang Mai Breathe Council has proposed several measures to enhance access to clean air rooms. One suggestion is to make the locations of these facilities easily accessible online. A simple map distributed via LINE groups could help residents quickly locate nearby clean air rooms, especially during periods of high pollution.
In addition, the group recommended expanding the list of clean air rooms to include public spaces such as cafés, shopping malls, co-working spaces, and hotels that have air purifiers. This initiative would significantly improve public access to safe environments during times of poor air quality.
The council also urged authorities to distribute N95 masks at public locations like markets, bus stops, and health centers. Given that Chiang Mai is frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities during the haze season, this measure could provide critical protection to residents, especially those in vulnerable groups.
Government Response and Ongoing Efforts
Governor Rattapon Naradisorn has confirmed that authorities are intensifying efforts to control wildfires. Increased patrols and the use of drones in high-risk areas are part of these measures. Local leaders have been instructed to issue regular health warnings, while agencies are working to manage dust from urban and construction activities.
Health authorities have also announced plans to expand the number of clean air rooms, which now exceed 2,000. Mobile medical units are being prepared for affected areas, and masks are being distributed, particularly to those at higher risk of health complications from air pollution.
Hotspot Data and Environmental Challenges
Satellite data from Gistda revealed that there were 651 hotspots in Chiang Mai on March 29. The highest concentration of hotspots was recorded in the districts of Chiang Dao, Samoeng, and Mae Taeng. Over 2,800 hotspots were detected between January 1 and March 28 in the province, underscoring the persistent environmental challenges faced by the region.
Discussion about this post