PROBLEM CAN BE COUNTERED
LUCKNOW: The problem of smog and air pollution is not new to the world. This has occurred in cities like London, Los Angeles, New York , and other cities of Europe, but these cities won the battle against pollution by self discipline. “While in college, I had come to know about London smog, which is cited as the worst air pollution event that affected UK in December 1952. A thick layer of smog covered the city. I never thought that the incident would occur in India,” said noted environmentalist Venkatesh Dutta.
“The London smog event led to several changes in environmental regulations, including the framing of Clean Air Act of 1956. Similarly, a pollution episode in US called as Los Angeles smog after the World War II led to greater awareness about the seriousness of air pollution. Catalytic converters were introduced in the cars and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came into existence. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted in September, 1974,” he said. Dutta said, “India introduced Air Act in 1981. However, the country failed in controlling pollution as environmental clearances were given to industries without serious thought. Vehicles were added without creating sufficient public transport infrastructure.” Every winter, Lucknow is shrouded in a veil of thick smog and particulate matter is trapped in the air and reduces visibility manifold. On Wednesday, the AQI in Lucknow crossed 400, which was similar to 8 pm on Diwali day.
REMEDIES
Recently, China was also under thick smog but they removed fog by spraying water from aircraft and helicopters. This could be done here too. But in India decision-makers are too slow to act as politics is involved everywhere.
STEPS TO TACKLE THE SITUATION
▪ Ban on firecrackers
▪ Complete ban on burning of leaves and waste dumps
▪ Controlling the volume of vehicles on the roads
▪ registration of new vehicles depending upon air quality and road density.
▪ Improve public transport
▪ Create walkways and cycle track for non-motorised transport.
▪ Heavier vehicles should not enter residential colonies.
▪ Educate farmers on management of crop residues.