Declining air quality making city gasp for breath

Air pollution is one of the biggest problems that we have been facing over the years. It is not the issue of a single country, it is an issue of global concern. There are many ways of reducing air pollution. Different techniques are used for controlling it. One of them includes curbing gaseous pollutants. The air pollution caused by gaseous pollutants like hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide, ammonia and carbon monoxide can be controlled by using three different methods-combustion, absorption and adsorption. Combustion- the technique is best suited when the pollutants are organic gases or vapours. Absorption- In this method, the polluted air containing gaseous pollutants is passed through a scrubber containing a suitable liquid absorbent. The liquid absorbs the harmful gaseous pollutants present in air. Adsorption- In this method, the polluted air is passed through porous solid adsorbents kept in suitable containers. The gaseous pollutants are adsorbed at the surface of the porous solid and clean air passes through. Planting more trees is another way of should be used like - solar energy and wind energy. Another solution is to install tall chimneys should in factories.

Vanshika 

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Choose a cleaner commute 

On one hand, modernisation has became a boon for the mankind and paved way for the development, on the other, it has led to global warming. Air pollution is making our future bleak. Various steps can be taken to reduce pollution, such as carpooling, planting saplings, use of CNG or electric vehicles, use of solar and wind energy, installing air purifiers as well as regular maintenance of vehicles to minimise carbon emissions. 

Rattandeep Singh Oberoi

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Vehicles with emission control standards

With rapid industrialisation, the quality of the air is being compromised in several Indian cities. Carpooling, refraining from burning dry leaves, trash and other material can go a long way in tackling air pollution. While purchasing a new car, one should go for the one that is the most efficient and is a zero-emission electric car. All these steps can help in reducing the problem of air pollution. 

Khushboo Singla

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Polluted air choking the city 

Ludhiana is developing at a fast pace, but unfortunately at the cost of environment. It is known as the industrial hub of the state, but sadly industrialists are more interested in making profit and care less about the environmental issues. It is the moral responsibility of the industrialists to come forward and plant more trees to save the environment. There should be a park in every industrial area. Spaces under the flyovers are highly misused with people using it for parking vehicles or throwing garbage. In some cases, these spaces even become toilets for people who urinate in the open. Spaces under the flyovers should be cleaned and beautified by planting trees and plants. We are living in an upcoming Smart City, but not in a green city. MC should make parks under flyovers and must appoint gardeners to look after these. Till date, many under-bridge areas are used for greenery, but still many are lagging behind.

Shubhangi Sofat

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Effective transport system needed

Multiple factors are at work for deterioration of quality of air in city. There has been a manifold increase in the number of vehicles registered in the city. More harm is done to the environment by the diesel vehicles. An effective public transport system is the need of the hour, which will not only decrease the pressure of vehicles on roads, but will also help in reducing pollution. Increase in the number of factories in the city is also to be blamed. Though majority of the factories have been shifted outside the city, but then also still there are many small firms which are illegally running their businesses from the heart of the city. The ever-increasing population is already a national issue. With the increasing population, the use of air conditioners and refrigerators is on the rise. These AC's and refrigerators emit chloroflourocarbons (CFC) which harm the ozone layer.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi

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Don’t spare the defaulters

Ludhiana has been reeling under  air pollution due to a number of factors ranging from vehicular traffic on the roads to burning of dried tree leaves by the staff of the Municipal Corporation. Also, burning of plastic especially

large amount of waste plastic bags contributes to air pollution. The city can overcome air pollution by simply stopping and keeping a check on the sources of air pollution. The leaves must be collected and stored at a suitable place where they be converted into valuable organic manure. This kind of manure is in great demand among residents who are fond of kitchen gardening. Further, strict action must be taken against burning of waste plastic bags in public places.

Dr G Dev

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Regulatory bodies to ensure strict vigil 

Ludhiana city is considered to be the most polluted city in punjab. To make it free from air pollution, we must take care of certain factors. Air pollution board must check a strict vigilance on the air polluting industries. Vehicles which produce smoke must be challaned and even banned. Garbage should not be burnt in open. Maximum number of plants and trees should be planted on both sides of roads. Overbridge and under pass should be constructed to avoid traffic congestion and air pollution. Industries should be supplied electricity for production and should be banned to use coal and wood for source of energy. In schools and colleges students must be made aware of ill effects of air pollution. We must collectively and individually pledge not to pollute the environment.

Farzana Khan

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Together, we can deal with it

Air pollution can be owed to enormous human activities. Our industries, transport system and power facilities churn out black carbon, methane, and other pollutants in the air. Particulate matter in the air we breathe has cut short lives of millions. In order to wipe out air pollution completely from the city, we require the right policies. Besides, environmental governance needs to be strengthened along with a targeted action on ‘hard-hitting’ pollutants through risk assessments and enhanced implementation of environmental legislation, including multilateral environmental agreements, and other measures. In addition, with sustainable consumption and production, through improved resource efficiency and lifestyle changes, we need a new approach to managing our lives and economies. Moreover, citizens need to be informed and inspired to reduce their own pollution footprint and advocate for bold pollution-beating commitments. In a nutshell, using technology and smart city initiatives, Ludhiana residents need to work together with the local governments to reduce air pollution.

RAVI CHANDER GARG

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Air Pollution linked to chronic illness

Air pollution is fast becoming a cause of concern for Ludhiana. We need to address it as fast as possible otherwise it may become a health hazard which can further trigger new cases of Asthma, and can worsen previously existing respiratory illness. It can also be a cause of lung cancer in the near future. A slew of measures can be taken to deal with the problem. At personal level, we should segregate our waste and not dump untreated waste into land fills which may omit copious amount of methane and other toxic gases. We should go for carpools instead of using our own vehicles. One should make use of the public transport at least two or three days in a week. Cleanup of roads should be done by using vacuum machines. Punitive action should be taken against defaulters polluting the environment. Carbon tax should be imposed on all private vehicles running on fossil fuels, starting from diesel. There must be a ban on purchasing more than two vehicles per family. Government should promote battery operated vehicles and public should use gasoline fuel instead of diesel or kerosene oil in their vehicles. Severe penalties should be charged against those who choose for irresponsible behavior regarding the protection of environment publically. Traffic system along with the facilities to have proper check and balance system against the dangerous emissions by vehicles should be put in action.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

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Showing way in stubble burning 

Government should make stringent laws on air pollution check. For vehicles, pollution certificate should be issued after conducting proper checking of vehicles. Defaulters should be heavily fined. As far as stubble burning is concerned, government should make proper arrangements for its disposal without affecting farmers economically. Factories should follow the rules of Factories Act 1948 related to disposal of hazardous gas, dust and fumes. 

Ritu Priya

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Use cycles to check emissions   

Nowadays, even the school going children prefer to travel in their personal vehicles. School going students should not be allowed to use motor vehicles. We need to chalk out a plan to promote the use of cycles. Eco- friendly autos and richshaws should replace the traditional autos. Extensive growth of trees can also be promoted to check air pollution.

Ekroop Kaur

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OPEN HOUSE COMMENT// Minna Zutshi 

City facing grim health situation

Pollution is a major issue in Ludhiana that needs to be addressed. The industrial city fares poorly in the air quality index. With the number of vehicles on road registering a huge increase and the agricultural pollution (stemming majorly from stubble burning) still not controlled to a satisfactory level, the air pollution in Ludhiana remains an unresolved issue. With industries discharging effluents into water bodies, the water pollution too needs to be tackled on war-footing. The Buddha Dariya, as the old-timers recall, was once a clear, sparkling stream of water. The Buddha Dariya is now a Buddha Nullah, a stinking drain with poisonous chemicals and toxic metals flowing through it. Enactment of laws that make the polluters pay is the first step to check pollution. Second, a strict implementation of these laws is mandated if we have to control and prevent air and water pollution. We cannot stop pollution till all join hands. The administration, NGOs and technical and agricultural experts, apart from industries, have to make a concerted effort to find a practical, feasible and workable solution to the problem of pollution.

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to   [email protected]

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QUESTION  

Ludhiana witnesses outbreak of water and vector-borne diseases in summers. How can these diseases be prevented?