Air quality deteriorates in many districts

• The situation in Kegalle was risky for all people, according to the National Building Research Organization

By Yohan Perera 

Air quality in several districts deteriorated yesterday compared to Sunday (December 11) , as per the data put out by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO). 

The Air quality index (AQI) stood at 151 in Kegalle District yesterday compared to 117 on Sunday, while it had slightly increased up to 111 in Colombo District compared 109 on Sunday, AQI in Kurunegala was 117 compared to 89 on the previous day, Kandy’s AQI stood at 120 compared to 109 on Sunday.  Air quality in Puttalam has also reduced to 117 compared to 109 the previous day while the quality of air in Badulla has deteriorated to 140 compared to 109 the previous day. 

According to NBRO, the situation in Kegalle was risky for all people while the areas where the AQI was between 100 to 150 were said to be risky for only those who are sensitive. This includes elderly and the children. The number of cows, buffaloes, and goats that have died due to the cold in the northern and eastern provinces has increased to 1,660, the Agriculture Ministry’s Livestock Division said.   

Accordingly, 691 deaths of cows and buffaloes and 296 deaths of goats have been reported in the Northern Province among the animal deaths. In the Northern Province, 329 sick animals were reported. 182 of them are cows, and 147 are goats. 511 cows, 44 buffaloes, and 108 goats have died in the Eastern Province. 15 cows were found sick, and another buffalo was found. Two days earlier, a total of 1,096 animals had been found dead in the Eastern Province.