changeadminAir Pollution has been the talk of the town in India ever since reports started floating that a hundred thousand children are dying of air pollution every year.
A study by the Greenpeace Foundation revealed startling insights into air quality in the Indian Subcontinent. Gurugram is the most polluted city in the world, while Delhi, home to nearly 2 million people, is the most polluted capital in the world and ranks 11th globally.
Not so surprisingly, 17 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India.
While numerous factors contribute to poor air quality in the country, there are different ways, within an individual’s capacity, to help curb air pollution.
What Can You Do
While government agencies have been working to curb air pollution by introducing norms and controls, much has been done, and much more needs to be implemented to counter the damage already caused.
In addition, as citizens, it is essential to understand that basic civic sense can also help ensure a healthy living environment. It is through this collaborative effort, which includes the Government and citizens, that we can reach our goal of providing a healthy environment to live in.
Clean air and an environment free of (utopian as it may sound at the moment) pollution are human rights that need our utmost attention. It is time we take charge and do our part to reduce air pollution.
Here are some simple ways to help –
Controlling Air Conditioner Usage – Timely switching off appliances like ACs will help reduce air pollution. The chemicals and compounds emitted hurt the environment, contributing to global warming. An effort should be made to keep the temperature above 25 degrees Celsius.
Carpooling – As and when possible, efforts should be made to carpool to reduce excessive fuel use.
Preventing the Use of Firewood – One of the significant sources of air pollution in India is household activities such as biomass burning. There are still numerous households in the country that cook with firewood.
Public Transport – Maximising public transport use is one way you can help curb pollution from burning fuel. Major cities in the country already have infrastructure for public transport, while progress in this sector is advancing at a rapid pace.
WALK! – Do you really need to drive a kilometre away to the superstore, or could you rather walk?
Vehicle Maintenance – Ensure your vehicle is serviced and maintained correctly, as poor maintenance requires more fuel. Ensure that the tyres are inflated at all times.
Avoid Burning Trash – Instead, adopt an environmentally friendly approach of composting waste or making optimal use of the waste-disposal system set up by the civic authorities.
Every action from an individual could help us achieve the greater goal of not only securing our future but also creating an impact today.
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