AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

India celebrates National Pollution Control Day on December 2 to commemorate those who lost their lives in 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. The main aim of the day is to instill awareness among people about environmental pollution and its disastrous consequences. Air pollution is one of the key global health and environmental concerns. The National Health Portal of India data reveals that nearly seven million people die every year due to air pollution. As many as nine Indian cities are on the list of the 10 most polluted cities in the world as per the data available (2020). Rising urbanisation, industrialisation, and associated anthropogenic activities are the prominent reasons that lead to air pollution. Air pollution is a major cause of premature death and disease and is the largest environmental health threat globally. It also adversely affects economic productivity. We have to keep in mind that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) call for the reduction of the burden of deaths and diseases from air pollution. When air quality deteriorates to dangerous levels, it causes serious health problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), bronchitis, nausea, and eye-burning. Toxic air also causes cough, cold, throat discomfort, and the spread of viral illnesses in persons of all ages. The Centre launched the NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) in January 2019 as a national-level strategy to reduce air pollution levels across the country. Urban Swachh Bharat Mission also focuses on air pollution reduction. Implementation of strict rules is the need of the hour. The government cannot turn a blind eye to this problem. It is very important to focus on decreasing pollution for making a better world that is pollution-free. Every citizen must play a key role in protecting the environment by minimising pollution.

— KRISHNA KUMAR VEPAKOMMA,

HYDERABAD via email