EcoSphere submitted proposal to the Environment Ministry on measures that can save millions of lives
New Delhi: In the wake of the worsening air quality in Delhi NCR, EcoSphere (NGO working with Environment), has submitted a 8-point proposal to Delhi, Punjan & Haryana government, the Ministry of Environment, GOI and Central Pollution Control Board. Since air pollution has reached alarming levels in Delhi and its surroundings, and is causing severe damage to the health of all. Therefore, we have to act immediately to control this menace; otherwise the health consequences will be disastrous.
EcoSphere has recommended that this plan be enforced immediately in the whole of NCR.
Speaking on this, Prashant Kumar Gunjan, at EcoSphere said, “ extremely hazardous air quality has taken a heavy toll on the health of Delhi’s citizens. EcoSphere proposal id implanted can save lives and protect the health of both the very young and older citizens. Also, if government and the corporate sector support us under their CSR initiative, we can implement this proposal on the behalf of the government and citizen.”
The proposals are as follows:
1) Constant (Long-term) measures
a) Establishment of Bio-coal briquettes plants: Bio-coal briquetting is the process of converting agricultural waste (such as stubble) into high density and energy concentrated fuel briquettes. The stubble burning is a major concern for increasing the air pollution in National Capital Regions (NCR). Therefore, in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana & Punjab near to border of Delhi the Bio-coal briquetting plants should be established in PPP mode with the provision of various collection centers/points of stubble/agricultural waste. By implementation of this the farmers can get some incentives against their stubble so they will not burn the stubble in their forms, which can improve the air quality in NCR.
b) Ban on the use of coal and agricultural waste in the industries for energy in NCR: Government should ban the use of coal and agricultural waste in the industries for energy in NCR because the industries are active throughout of the year. In the NCR all industries should use only natural gas.
c) Establishment of giant air purifiers: The giant air purifiers or air purification towers should be installed at all places such as railway stations, bus stations, major crossings and various public places which are in open area.
d) Plantation of Various plants which can reduce pollution: There are several studies available describing the ability of plants to reduce the Particulate Matter (PM) level in the air such as Ficus, Catalpa speciose, pinus and many mores. It is required to identify such plants and being planted in all free land area as well as in the side of roads. These plants can also be planted in pots and would be placed on the roof of all public building/ societies.
e) Rejuvenation of Water bodies in NCR: WE are aware that water bodies are also laying critical role to reduce the level of pollution in the air. Therefore, long term and sustained efforts need to be taken to rejuvenate the all water bodies either lost or in critical condition in the NCR.
2) Immediate (Short-term) measures
a) Advisory for the offices: An advisory should be issued to all government/private offices to issue the order that those officials who can perform their duty through online mode without coming office they will be allowed to work from the home. This step reduces some number of vehicles on the roads and significant reduction in the PM level, since the vehicular pollution also account 28% or more pollution.
b) Improvement/encouragement of Public Transport system: The encouragement to use public transportation system can be achieved by way reducing or subsidizing the fair of metro, running more number of buses, and so on which will also give immediate relief in the reduction of pollution load.
c) Proper monitoring of construction and waste burning activities: Since construction and waste burning activities are temporarily stopped in the Delhi therefore proper monitoring and enforcement system is required since it required long term and sustained efforts to achieve the goal for reduction of air pollution.
EcoSphere feels that by implementing these measures and the combine effort of government and civil societies we can show our determination to achieve the pollution free atmosphere and clean air, which is essential for health of we all.