TIME TO AIR OUR VIEWS STRONGLY ON AIR POLLUTION

It's common knowledge that the economic growth story of India has been better particularly during the last twelve years despite several challenges including the unprecedented problems arising out of Covid19 pandemic. The average GDP growth has been more than seven percent during this period. Naturally, this period has been the witness of rapid urbanisation and also of consistent migration of rural population to our cities which are otherwise facing a lot of civic and other problems including growing air pollution. 

India’s population is also growing fast and in the recent past we surpassed China to become the most populous country in the world. As a natural outcome, the population of all cities in India – from Tier-1 to Tier-3 cities, have been increasing fast - a fact which is vindicated by the latest census data. 

Simultaneously, India’s vehicular population has increased many fold in previous years. And presently, we have more than fifty million passenger cars and four-wheelers alone on Indian roads. Interestingly, India is now the world’s third largest vehicle manufacturer leaving behind Japan. Yes, the number one and two positions are held by China and the United States of America respectively.  

Before moving forward to discuss the burning issue of air pollution, let us look at some relevant facts to appreciate its multidimensional nature. ‘India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world; India ranks among the top Automotive Industry in the world; India’s energy needs, particularly petrol, diesel etc. has been on the rise; coal production and consumption is also increasing in good pace; traffic congestion in big as well as mid-sized cities has risen to an alarming proportion thereby increasing the level of fuel wastage and equally air pollution.’

The industrial and construction activities, petrol and diesel run vehicular traffic and agricultural practices contribute majorly towards worsening air pollution which makes India one of the worst countries in the world as regards the present status of Air Pollution, which is generally defined as the contamination of life saving oxygen with obnoxious gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, methane etc. mainly due to combustion of oil, coal, biomass, stubble and firewood in vehicles, industries and household. This problem has been aggravating with every passing day. This has directly impacted the air pollution scene very badly. In this regard, the country’s capital, New Delhi ranks among one of the top cities in the world to cross the human endurance level. Among the high AQI (Air Quality Index) cities, even non-metropolitan cities like Agra, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad, Meerut, Patna, Ranchi and Lucknow are included where relatively high level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is found in the air.

Consequently, the Indian population is face to face with some life-threatening situations. Air pollution is causing over two million premature deaths annually. Even far greater population suffers from lung infections, breathing problems, cancer and heart ailments. Senior citizens, pregnant ladies and children up to 5 years are very vulnerable to ill effects of air pollution. The plants, vegetation and animals too are badly affected destroying the ecological balance. 

To say in a few words, breathing clean air is slowly becoming a luxury, whereas it is our basic right; air pollution is a slow poison, invisible but deadly - a silent killer.  

Then, what is the remedy which can earnestly be tried right from now both at the government level as well as at the community level with far greater intensity? Undeniably, it is necessary to ensure reduction in emission of air pollutants; strict compliance of emission norms for industries and motor vehicles; vast improvement in public transport system; promotion of electric vehicles; protection of existing forests and large-scale afforestation. Making solar and wind energy popular in all possible and time-bound manner, providing cooking gas at affordable prices to disadvantaged sections of society, and encouraging as well as convincing people to drive less and walk and bicycle more are equally necessary. 

It is heartening that the Central Government has already initiated some measures in this direction, but we have to go a long way to address this vital issue in a sustained and more effective manner. Isn’t it?

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

 # Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.                   

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