Haze pollution in the North

CHIANG MAI, March 26 (TNA) – Some northern provinces face smog problems while the authorities work to reduce dust and prohibit open burnings. In Chiang Mai, the disaster prevention and mitigation officials sprayed high pressure water into the air to bring down dust particles in the Chiang Mai city following the forest fire, which erupted last night at several spots, particularly in Chiang Dao district. Local authorities washed the road at the Chiang Mai government center to increase humidity and reduce dust. However, PM2.5 dust particles there remain in the safety standard at 101 microgrammes per cubic metre. Meanwhile, the third Army Region has kept records of villagers, entering the forest since March 25. If any fire is caused by burning, they will be suspects immediately. The measure continues for one week. Lamphun province has issued a burn ban for 60 days, effective until April 20. Farmers in Pa Sang district agree to stop open burning while agriculture officials instructed them how to use technology to get rid of weed instead of burning to alleviate smog pollution. In Mae Hong Son and Nan, the PM2.5 dust particle levels are slightly beyond the safety limit. (TNA)