By the Editor
All living beings, including plants, need air to survive, even rocks, soil, buildings etc. need air. Without this precious commodity, this planet will become lifeless and may soon disappear. In order to co-exist we ought to understand clearly about its significance which the Almighty has given us freely and abundantly. Therefore, respect and care for each other is essential and at the same time we must keep the environment clean and free of dirt. Garbage should be properly collected in places meant for it and then safely burnt to produce manure and fertilisers. People who construct houses, sheds, buildings, garages, etc, should follow the rules and guidelines issued by the village durbars, town committees, municipalities, etc, so that everyone can have free access to good air. Unplanned structures in the rural areas and mismanagement in urban areas are responsible for an unhealthy environment and thus lead to sickness and even death. During festivals like Holi and Deepavali, bursting of crackers create air and noise pollution in the region and its surroundings. As a result, people are not able to breathe fresh and clean air which in the long run results in suffocation and diseases of the lungs. Restrictions to such unhealthy practice have become a great necessity. More and more vehicles, which use fossil fuel and emit poisonous fumes into the air, have become quite a nuisance to pedestrians and inhabitants living by the roadside.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issues stern warning to the world because of the poison in the environment which claims more than 38 lakh victims every year throughout the world. More than 90 per cent of children worldwide are forced to inhale polluted air. The situation in our country is quite alarming because, as per the findings, about 14 of the most polluted cities in the world are in India and the number is rising. Researchers have found that use of ethanol, that is ethane proportionately mixed with petrol, reduces air pollution. Old cars and vehicles produce more poison and hence authorities should check and inspect regularly. The farmers of Punjab and Haryana used to burn stubbles which caused huge smog in the environment and affected the neighbouring areas including the National Capital Region of Delhi. Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi finally arrived at the solution through the use of chemicals which convert stubbles into manure for the crops. The government has earmarked Rs 1,700 crore to states for stubble management. Benefit is also extended in the form of a subsidy comprising 80 per cent to cooperatives and 50 per cent subsidy to individuals to cope with stubble burning.
During winter and rainy season, people using charcoal burning to warm themselves are responsible for air pollution besides affecting their own health. As far as possible, this practice is to be avoided. Industries and manufacturing units should be located in areas set aside specially for them. Regular check and inspection by government authorities is a must. ‘Sameer’ which was launched in October 2017 provides information on air quality to the public. It also receives complaints from the public.