CALL FOR A SUMMIT IN SOUTH ASIA: ENVIRONMENTALISTS ASSOCIATION

Sri Lanka should take the lead and call for an environment summit in the South Asia in the wake of increasing air pollution, an environmentalist association said yesterday. Director Environmental Conservation Trust Sajeewa Chamikara told Daily Mirror that it was time Sri Lanka focus on the environment pollution and calls for a regional summit in South Asia so that steps could be taken to minimize the environment pollution. “More focus is made on trade agreements and economic cooperation in the region but no focus is made on addressing the environmental issue faced by the South Asian region,” he said.

Also he said Sri Lanka has been too involved in the presidential election and had not been properly focused on the air pollution.

The most dangerous factor on air pollution in Sri Lanka is the prevalence of gases in the lower atmosphere. “This situation could easily affect the people,” he said.

Further he said Sri Lanka should think of obtaining proper technology to carry out accurate studies on air pollution.

Indian media reported that the air quality levels (AQI) in many places in India was in a ‘severe plus’ situation as of last afternoon. AQI level in Delhi was measured at 472 (severe). At many places in NCR, the AQI crossed the 500-mark, putting the regions in ‘severe plus’ category. Indian media added that the situation in that country could reach emergency levels. Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said it was on alert to face any situation in the aftermath of the adverse situation in the neighbouring country.

it was time SL focus on the environment pollution and calls for a regional summit in S.asia so that steps could be taken to minimize the environment pollution