The WHO has also stressed the importance of waste reduction and recommends incineration only as a last resort, with strict emission controls in place.
Sapan Kay Cee
India is striving for a greener future, targeting a Net Zero Goal by 2070. However, the path forward is overshadowed by a significant decline in air quality, raising alarming concerns for public health. As per the study published in the Lancet Planetary Health, over 3.6 million deaths occurred in ten Indian cities between 2008 and 2019 due to pollution. And Delhi bears the highest percentage of fatalities attributed to PM2.5 air pollution-a dangerous compound that can lead to serious health issues, including cancer, by entering the bloodstream.
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The situation in the capital is particularly dire, with approximately 12,000 lives lost each year due to air pollution, accounting for 11.5% of the city's total deaths. As India continues its journey towards sustainability, the urgent need to address air quality issues is becoming increasingly critical. In a recent conversation with the media, Non-Government Organization Youth Services for Peace President Sapan Kay Cee urged government officials to prioritize environmental policies aimed at combating the rising pollution crisis. She expressed grave concern over the current state of air and water quality in urban areas, especially in Delhi NCR. Additionally, emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution on public health and ecosystems.
"Pollution is not just an environmental issue; it's a pressing public health crisis that demands immediate attention," she added. The government must take decisive action to implement stringent regulations on industrial emissions and invest in renewable energy sources. Creating a cleaner and healthier environment is a shared responsibility and we need to work together-government, businesses, and communities-to ensure a sustainable future."
Key strategies that governments should promote and raise awareness about is a transition from coal and gas power stations, as well as diesel generators, to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Replacing diesel gensets can contribute immensely to combating the issue of air pollution, especially in metro cities. Urban planning will also play a crucial role, with an emphasis on promoting walking, cycling, and public transportation over cars, alongside a shift toward electric vehicles. Additionally, improving the energy efficiency of homes is essential to decrease heating demands and minimize indoor burning of coal and wood.
The WHO has also stressed the importance of waste reduction and recommends incineration only as a last resort, with strict emission controls in place. Furthermore, reducing the practice of burning stubble in fields located upwind of urban areas and creating green spaces within cities are vital steps to help filter out pollutants and enhance air quality.
The issue of rising pollution in India has been a persistent challenge that we can no longer ignore. Despite our awareness of various effective solutions, the urgency to address this crisis has only grown over time. We must talk about the factors contributing to pollution and explore comprehensive strategies to combat it. To make a real impact, the government must take decisive action by implementing stringent regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing pollution levels across the country. Such measures are crucial for the health of our environment and the well-being of future generations.
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