Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Air quality needs to be improved considerably' that was published in Newsband

Air quality needs to be improved considerably

Both air quality and economic growth are connected. NASA’s satellite data indicates that people living in some parts of India are at greater risk for health problems linked to deteriorating air quality than those living in China. This finding matches the Air Quality Index data for cities monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board. Both policymakers and polluters need to be cautioned about this.

Pollution is caused mainly owing to construction and demolition activity, burning of coal in thermal plants, as also biomass, and from the widespread use of diesel vehicles, among other sources. The onus of curbing pollution from these sources is on the States. The solutions are use of solar cookers or cheap, clean-burning stoves, good public transport and incentives for the use of cycles and electric vehicles and wearing high quality masks. When air, water and surroundings are clean, this ensures that people are healthy and the nation prosperous.

Air Pollution is killing people right now in cities at a rate faster than anyone can imagine. If government ignores this issue next generation would pay a humongous price on multiple front. With an alarming rate of pollution in India, it has become very difficult even for the morning walkers or joggers to go outside for the exercise as it ultimately affects their health. So some solutions like the planting of more trees in the cities especially in between the two lane highways or on the footpath can control pollution to some extent. Also, the vehicles should be prohibited from entering the city beyond peak hours. These tiny steps do not require much capital and can be started as an initiative to curb the menace of pollution that is endangering to our city and villages.

Control of pollution is mere talk. Except for monitoring air quality, not a single concrete step has been taken by the state governments or civic agencies to control pollution. There is so much talk and so little action. No wonder air quality has worsened in many cities and towns, with serious consequences for the health of the population. Pollution and the inaction on the part of civic agencies and governments are responsible for the current state. But as is generally the case, no one is held accountable or responsible. It is high time we acted and not just speak and lecture.