Pollution is on the rise, and soon we will see a debate about the factors responsible, but it will be mainly to smear the name of some political parties or individuals. Ironically, most people will only speak from a political point of view and not care about the harmful effects of air pollution on humans.
If we ignore the fundamental problem and are more concerned with blaming certain factors, then we are knowingly or unknowingly ignoring the real problem. We all need to think not only about the current situation but also about our children and future generations. The way we breathe toxic air but are not willing to sacrifice our comfort is very alarming.
Our kids are facing all this through no fault of their own. As per different studies in past it is found that due to presence of PM 2.5 a person breathing in the NCR of Delhi during smog consumes nearly 10 cigarettes a day. Also, air pollution is not just an issue in Delhi, NCR, or India; it has become a worldwide issue, though how it is managed totally depends on the people of that area. It is high time we think seriously about the environment; otherwise, it will be very fatal for our future generation.
Whenever air pollution is talked about, certain groups of people associate it with firecrackers and enjoy flouting the orders of the NGT (National Green Tribunal), and this is also associated with politics: in order to defame one political party, the other political party motivates people to burn firecrackers so that they can raise the finger at the ruling party in the state.
Some people don’t even think about it and just enjoy it, but air pollution is not only limited to the burning of firecrackers or stubble but is also directly related to our comfort. It is also very surprising that if firecrackers are banned, how people manage to get them so easily, and the government doesn’t take any necessary measures in reality, like heavy penalties, fines on manufacturing or buy and sell of crackers, and checking borders, just like alcohol,the government can also take a midway and promote green crackers and sell them in a limited quantity at a fixed price under the government’s control. Even green crackers are banned in some cities, for example it is banned in Delhi. It is the need of the hour to take stringent measures.
The government should not just think about populist policies but also come up with important measures to curb pollution. Most households have 2-3 air conditioners (AC) and two four-wheeler vehicles, along with two wheelers for local use. The government should set guidelines for air conditioner manufacturers to limit the temperature to a sustainable level.
The government can give heavy discounts on CNG kits for private vehicles and should increase the number of CNG pumps. E-vehicles are still very costly, so the government should give more discounts here too. The same government gives freebies to win votes and does not impose strict regulations to curb pollution just to appear philanthropic. However, it is high time that the government, be it the state government or the central government, behave like a ‘welfare state.”
The proposal to increase the electricity tariff during summer nights does not sound very helpful either, because those who use air conditioning are used to it and use it because they can afford it, so the majority of people will not sacrifice their sleep at night for a few extra units but rather burn their pockets and give more money to the government.
The government should investigate the extent to which air purifiers are helpful, and if it finds something positive, it can install air purifiers to manage PM 2.5 and PM 10,just as they install CCTV equipment, or it can make the installation of air purifiers mandatory for schools, offices, builders, or construction companies.
Construction and related regulations must be regulated. The most important aspect of pollution is that we need to treat it as our problem instead of just blaming the government. Otherwise, it is scary when we think of the children growing up in this pollution. Let’s not create a situation where we ask our kids not to go to the school or to play outside due to pollution rather let’s give them more freedom by behaving responsibly.