Insist on air curtains to prevent pollution inside

People walking on main roads amidst vehicular traffic inhale more than their normal air intake. Everyone stepping out on to the road without a pollution mask or a handkerchief to cover their nose is vulnerable. Even those in fancy air-conditioned showrooms without air curtains at the entrance are vulnerable.

A major cause of air pollution is vehicles, especially diesel engines as well as two-stroke petrol engines. Others are diesel gensets used during power cuts and burning of dry leaves as well as plastic which is extremely carcinogenic. Coal burning for power generation is another major contributor. The more we save power, the lesser the pollution we cause.

The next time you step out on the road, wear a pollution mask/handkerchief. Request the municipality sweepers to stop burning leaves on the roadside every morning. A local area composting pit for dried leaves could be a solution.

When your neighbours turn on their gensets during power cuts, close all windows immediately. Question people who park their cars with the air conditioner on, ask them to turn off the engine and stop polluting our air.

Report excessive polluting vehicles such as autorickshaws, buses, lorries and bikes by taking a photograph of the number-plate and send it to the concerned authority.

We can request all commercial establishments to instal air-curtains at the entrance. We can also invest in an air purifier for home or office.

And lastly, plant more trees.