Last September, I went to visit my brother who lives in Delhi. After a 6 hour bus ride from Dehradun, I finally reached Kashmiri Gate. I booked a shared Uber from there and since one of the passengers was near Jama Masjid, I got the chance to enjoy the views of Delhi. But my exploration soon turned into irritation due to the unbelievable traffic. What should have been a 45 minutes journey took 4 hours!
Staying in Delhi for a couple of days, I could feel variations in the climate of Delhi versus that of Dehradun, the most prominent of it being the air quality. Unlike the clear sky of Dehradun, the sky of Delhi was smog filled.
However, Dehradun too has seen an increase in pollution and bad air quality over recent decades. Air pollution has impacted most states in India and the quality of air has only worsened. The common culprits/causes of air pollution seem to be the same irrespective of the city.
- Combustion of fossil fuels, the biggest contributor to which are vehicles and increasing traffic.
- Increase in industrial activities and emissions from them.
- Chemicals used in farming like insecticides and pesticides.
- Household products like deodorant and hair sprays, cleaning products, paints, etc.
- Burning of wood and charcoal, forest fires, and other natural causes.
A study, “State of Global Air 2019”, stated that air pollution ranks third in the causes of health-related deaths in India with 1.2 million deaths annually. Globally, air pollution has reduced life expectancy and significantly impacted people’s health.
While there are various policies initiated by the government, implementation has always been a problem in India. Unless the policies are regulated and properly implemented, it is hard to bring about significant improvement in reducing air pollution.
Policies to curb air pollution-
- India should ensure that the policies and programs like Household LPG programs, National Clean Air Program, and Bharat Stage VI for vehicles, among other regulations are implemented strictly.
- Policies regarding sustainable development with efficient use of solar and wind energy should be implemented.
- The government should use efficient and top-notch emission control technologies and strictly monitor the emissions from factories.
- Increase the number of tree plantations in household, commercial, and roadside areas.
- As the use of second hand vehicles is prominent in India, policies should ensure that vehicles are regularly checked and updated for the quality of engines used.
- Increase public awareness.
Along with government policies, we as individuals must take up the responsibility of combating air pollution. Small steps go a long way when done consistently.
Small changes we can make in our daily lives-
- Use public transportation, carpool, cycle, and walk more often. If you use your own transport, combine errands to reduce the number of trips.
- Reduce household waste by buying products in bulk and don’t burn your trash.
- Eliminate use of plastic- Carry a bag for shopping and reduce packaged food intake.
- Opt for environment friendly paints and household products.
- Plant trees and keep plants in your room. Plants help in filtering the air in your room.
- Make your own DIY household cleaners using vinegar. It will help you save a lot of money too.
- Conserve energy whenever and wherever possible.
Do your bit in reducing air pollution and also take care of yourself. Wear a sunscreen daily and avoid venturing outdoors during rush hours. Stay aware of the pollution levels and be proactive. We, together must work towards a healthier environment for everyone’s sake.