A CAPITAL RESOLVE NEEDED TO ESCAPE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN GAS CHAMBER

Air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 2 million people every year and is the fifth largest cause of death in India. Millions of people, especially children, have suffered permanent damage to their lungs and health in the National Capital Region (NCR).

- DR P.S.VENKATESH RAO

Smog Gun sprays water to control pollution levels as air quality dropped to poor category at Kartavaya Path in New Delhi on Tuesday. ANI

(ANI)

Air pollution lowers immunity and increases the risk of cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, and adult-onset diseases like multiple sclerosis. The Supreme Court's approval of green firecrackers with restrictions did not save NCR from becoming the world’s worst gas chamber. This dubious distinction is somewhat relieved only by rains in July, August, September, and peaks from October to February, worsened by paddy straw, biomass, effigies burning, and fireworks, and perpetuated by the winter conditions of stagnant air. As per the Ministry of Earth Sciences report, October 2018, almost 41% of air pollution is due to vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust, and 18% to industrial emissions. In November 2023, 38% of NCR air pollution was found to be caused by stubble burning. Multiple airports in and near NCR add to the problem. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the air quality and visibility dramatically improved. Hence, air pollution control is possible, as where there is a will, there is a way.