Zero in on factors causing smog

Minna Zutshi

No quick-fix measures can clear the smog that builds up every year in October/November. A well-thought-out strategy, coupled with sincerity of purpose and clarity of agenda, is the only solution. 

 Action is needed at the government, societal and individual levels. First, the authorities have to zero in on the factors that cause smog. Stubble burning has to be tackled with practical and practicable measures – taking farmers into confidence so that they do not opt for a confrontationist path. 

 The economics of stubble burning has to be worked out. Politicians should keep political posturing and rhetoric out of it. Other factors like vehicular pollution, burning of garbage, bursting of crackers and indiscriminate felling of trees that contribute to the rising air pollution also need to be addressed.