The use of face masks, especially in congested areas of Imphal, Manipur is highly recommended to prevent respiratory diseases and even cancer, as pollutants that cause serious health effects are prevalent in the environment.
According to official reports, air pollution-related illnesses are one of the three priority areas presented under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health. It further states that air pollution is also a major factor in climate change, which Manipur is likely experiencing at present.
Owning a four-wheeler has become almost mandatory for each household, contributing to traffic congestion, while the increasing number of public transport vehicles operating in the Imphal city area further exacerbates the issue.
Untimely road renovations and traffic rule violations are also major contributors to congestion, particularly in city areas like Khwairamband Ima Market.
According to data from a government website, last year’s average concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the air was 19.82 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was 22.41 µg/m3, PM10 was 106.54 µg/m3, and PM2.5 was 56.70 µg/m3. This year, from January to June, the average SO2 concentration is 14.60 µg/m3, NO2 is 17.50 µg/m3, PM10 is 109.625 µg/m3, and PM2.5 is 69.23 µg/m3.
PM10 refers to particulate matter that is 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller, while PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, refers to particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller. Both particles are small enough to be inhaled and cause serious health problems, with PM2.5 being a subset of PM10.
According to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (2009), the acceptable concentration of SO2 in ambient air for industrial, residential, rural, and other areas is 50 µg/m3 annually, and 20 µg/m3 in ecologically sensitive areas (as notified by the central government). For NO2, the standard is 40 µg/m3 for industrial, residential, rural, and other areas, and 30 µg/m3 in ecologically sensitive areas. The permissible limits for PM10 are 60 µg/m3 in all areas, while for PM2.5, it is 40 µg/m3.
Analysis shows that the NO2 and SO2 levels are within recommended limits, but PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the ambient air are much higher than the recommended amounts.
Among the most affected by PM10 and PM2.5 are those on the congested streets of Khwairamband Market, particularly the roadside vendors. Thousands of street vendors, primarily selling vegetables, work in the polluted environment without considering the health risks, just to earn their daily income.
During an interaction with the Imphal Free Press, street vendor Keisham Nirupama, working under the Bir Tikendrajit Overbridge in Khwairamband, said, “We inhale dust and bad odors from the Naga Nullah every day, from early morning to late evening. Sometimes, the dust or odor from the Naga Nullah causes me to be bedridden for three-four days with high fever, sore throat, chest pain, and worsened sinusitis.”
“With my small income from street vending, I have to support my family, and there isn’t enough money for a doctor’s visit. The pollution seems to be increasing due to the rise in temperature and irregular rainfall in recent years,” Nirupama added.
She urged the state government to repair the streets, which were damaged during the recent floods. If the roads were in better condition, dust pollution could be more controlled.
The Manipur government has taken steps to control vehicular emissions, but due to improper implementation, many outdated vehicles, including public service passenger vehicles, continue to ply the streets of Imphal city.
An Imphal resident told Imphal Free Press that if the Manipur government began a mass tree plantation drive in the city, alongside infrastructure renovation and strict traffic rule enforcement, pollution could be significantly reduced. However, the state’s ongoing crisis has delayed infrastructure development.
In another interaction, health expert Dr Khonthoujam Saphaba, an ENT super-specialist in cancer, head and neck surgery, and oncosurgeon, noted that although he lacks specific data, the number of patients with respiratory issues is rising.
He reported an increase in patients diagnosed with allergies affecting their breathing, sinusitis, sore throat, and chest pain, based on his work at the outpatient department of JNIMS. These patients, he said, were non-tobacco users.
Dr Saphaba attributed the rise in respiratory conditions to increasing air pollution and harmful pollutant levels, particularly among daily wage workers exposed to polluted environments for extended periods.
He cited Japan as an example, where face mask usage became widespread following the SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks. The precautionary measures taken by the Japanese reportedly led to a decrease in respiratory tract infections.
Similarly, Dr Saphaba advised that the people of Manipur should also make wearing face masks mandatory, as it can prevent the inhalation of harmful chemicals and viruses. He emphasized that face masks should be highly recommended for street vendors and traffic police, as they were during the pandemic.
He also appealed to the public to wear face masks to protect themselves from air pollution.
Meanwhile, as part of the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign of the National Health Mission, awareness efforts—such as posters, audio-visuals, public health events, and advisories related to climate change and human health—are ongoing. The campaign also utilizes social media platforms to promote climate-sensitive issues quickly and widely.
