CityNews – 23rd October 2019, Chiang Mai governor Charoenrit Sa-nguansat said that all parties are asked to contribute ideas to improve the situation from the lessons learned since earlier this year in order to reduce the impact of air pollution on the health of locals and tourists alike.
Air quality is currently officially monitored at four points in the province, (three points within the Chiang Mai municipality area, and another point in Mae Chaem District), he explained. However, authorities will work with Chiang Mai University to produce more monitors to place all over the province to gain a better understanding of the air quality index in each area and aggregate real data to provide to the people. There will be colour code signs in red, orange, yellow, green, and light blue, so that residents and tourists can have the option to escape to safe areas. In addition, proper masks according to the air quality index will be provided to the people.
For this coming dry season, the governor asks all available organisations and businesses, from the governmental and private sectors, including hotel entrepreneurs, restaurants, schools, universities, and temples to help provide safety zones as shelter from the air pollution in case crises happen. Relevant information will be given to both residents and tourists to find safe areas.
All these are measures to gain trust in tackling problem, mitigate future health problems and minimise impact on tourism and the economy. Although it is accepted that there will be air pollution this coming year, providing true and real data informing the public will gain people’s trust that tourists can still come to Chiang Mai.
