Officials attribute dusty atmosphere in DK, Udupi to sandstorm in Gulf

Officials attribute dusty atmosphere in DK, Udupi to sandstorm in Gulf

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore/Udupi, April 8,2015 : A dusty atmosphere  prevails in various parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts  causing some amount of panic among people.  As different theories on the actual cause of this dusty atmosphere surface, environment officials have informed that this was the result of the recent sand storm in the Gulf nations.

Officials  have also clarified that they have received information from the Union Department of Geology that there was the possibility of the sand storm  that rocked the Gulf recently making its way to the coastal belt through the Arabian sea. There is also information about a similar dusty atmosphere prevailing in Mumbai and Pune areas.

According to Rajashekhar Puranik, District Pollution Control Officer, the health hazards if such a dusty atmosphere prevails  in the coming days cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile,some are of the argument  that the  dust was due to the UPCL at Padubidri and other companies operating in the district. However, Puranik said he did not find anything like that due to  his visit to UPCL plant on April 7, Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner has already directed the Environment Department to submit a report on the development. The Health Department sources also said that  the present situation may affect the health of those who are already ailing from various diseases including Asthma.