Open house: What should be done to check increase in air pollution in Ludhiana

Switch to green crackers

Farm fires and indiscriminate bursting of crackers not only leave heaps of garbage but sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and innumerable particulate matter that are released in the atmosphere through these activities, make the environment around us harmful for health. In order to ensure an eco-friendly environment it is imperative that people switch from conventional crackers to green crackers manufactured without harmful chemicals. Concomitantly, those under the guise of Diwali indulge in farm fires should be penalised heavily.

Novin Christopher

Plant trees to stop air pollution

Nowadays, the Diwali air pollution is at its peak. The quality of air is very poor. Here are some suggestions to prevent our world from air pollution. Using public transport is a sure short way of contributing to less air pollution as it provides with less gas and energy, even carpools contribute to it. The energy lights take always contribute to air pollution, thus turn off the lights when not in use. There should be reduction in forest fires and smoking. People should use fans instead of air conditioners. Avoid usage of crackers and products with chemicals. People should plant as many trees as possible.

Devna Munjal

Follow guidelines to stop pollution

It is a bitter fact that there is a rise in pollution level due to the burning of stubble and firecrackers. We may admit or not but onus for all this lies upon the people. The government can only issue guidelines and it is our duty to follow these rules in letter and spirit. As responsible citizens we all must find out ways to get out of the problem of stubble burning and the government too should come to the rescue of those farmers who adopt innovative methods. On the other hand as far as the bursting of crackers is concerned, this is fully in our hands. Any celebration can be a perfect celebration even without crackers. The point is symbolic use of the crackers is fine, but the problem arises when this goes up to the madness of bursting these till midnight.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi

Motivate farmers to stop farm fires

Peasants should be motivated. Instead of burning stubble they should decompose it and use as manure. District functionaries should be deployed to prevent farm fires and take action against the offenders. Awareness should be spread among the peasants by using different methods such as social media, newspapers and posters/banners.

Anwita Dixit

Sprinkle water to settle dust

Air pollution in Ludhiana town is a serious problem. It has a potential to aggravate respiratory and heart diseases as well as Covid menace. It poses danger to all living things. Appropriate methods should be adopted to get relief from air pollution. The government should encourage people to use CNG-based public transport and avoid burning of plastic. Use filters for chimneys and the government should make solutions for stubble management, ban on crackers on all festivals and sprinkle water to settle dust.

Dr Sukhdev Sharma

Impose blanket ban on stubble burning

Vehicular emissions, construction activities, stubble burning and burning of crackers deteriorate the AQI considerably making people gasp rather than breathe. They decrease our lifespan too. Particulate matters are very dangerous for cardiovascular and respiratory system. Considering health to be of utmost importance, the Centre should impose a blanket ban on stubble burning and manufacturing of fireworks in the country.

Dr Sunil Chopra

Health impacts of air pollution

Air pollution is a very serious matter of concern as it leads to many diseases like Covid resurgence, bronchitis and it can be fatal for heart patients. It is in the hands of general public to improve the air quality of the city. We should minimise the use of vehicles. We should not drive vehicles at least two-days in a week. Industrialists must make arrangements for safe emissions of hazardous gas, dust and fumes. The government must make effective arrangements for the stubble. There is a need to conduct research on these issues.

Ritu Priya

Air pollution can add to Covid pain

The deteriorating air quality can give a helping hand to the third wave of Covid. Human activity is a major cause of air pollution. The administration should immediately stop the sources of air pollution.

Adish Sood, Amloh

Switch over to renewable energy

Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air—pollutants which are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. There are many types of air pollutants such as gases, particulates and biological molecules. The most effective way to control air pollution is by switching over to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The less gasoline we burn, the better we are doing to reduce the air pollution. When pollution levels are high limit your time for a jog and prefer to stay inside with windows closed. If you live in an area prone to wildfires stay away from smoke as much as you can. Keep a small stock of masks to wear when conditions are poor.

RS SEMBHI

Use energy star appliances

Replace energy hungry incandescent lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs. When ready to replace look for energy star appliances. Dress for weather and adjust layers before adjusting thermostat. Organise and condense errands into one trip. Use fan instead of air conditioners. Recycle paper, plastic, metals and organic material. Print and photocopy on both sides of paper. Add insulation at home.

Shruti Saggar Gambhir

Use air purifying indoor plants

Widespread air pollution caused by Diwali firecrackers and farm fires can certainly lead to health hazards. General public is well aware of these facts even then it is happening. We can make efforts to arrest this pollution demon by keeping air purifying indoor plants, using natural products, essential oils, keeping indoor humidity low and using air purifiers. Besides, lessening automobile pollution, using public transportation, planting more trees and above all raising awareness.

RV Singh

Rice straw burning big problem

Burning of rice straw in fields by farmers is the main cause of pollution. Another cause of the air pollution is the use of firecrackers during Diwali festival. Farmers are not stopping the burning of crop residue in the fields. Many action plans have been suggested earlier to stop the farmers from burning rice straw in the fields. The burying of crop residues in the field itself to enrich the soil fertility level whereby the crop yields will also improve, preparing straw bundles by

using agricultural implements supplied by the Department of Agriculture. The farmers burn the crop in fields for ease and for early vacating the fields for sowing the next crop.

Gautam Dev

use of Crackers adds to pollution woes

The celebration of Diwali this year has created many problems for us. Unlimited use of firecrackers and stubble burning has added to our woes, including air pollution. The limit of timing and the place of crackers were ignored. The situation became so alarming that the health workers found them in a quandary. All this has been created by people themselves. It should be remembered that we generally suffer due to our wrong attitude.

JBS Nanda

Deploy officers to stop field fires

While pollution caused by bursting of crackers was yet to subside, the spurt in stubble burning cases is compounding the problem of air pollution in the city. Farmers should be encouraged to undertake in-situ management for crop residue and to make the use of happy seeder and paddy straw chopper available at subsidised rates as well as easily accessible through I-Khet app. Key district functionaries be deployed to prevent field fires and take action against the offenders.

Medha Batra

Ban diesel vehicles, firecrackers

Since the beginning of 2020, the world has been suffering from Covid. Hence, it is essential to check air pollution. Diesel vehicles and firecrackers in festive season are another reason behind increase in pollution. Use of crackers should be banned as they not only cause pollution but also injuries.

Anu Joshi

QUESTION

Lackadaisical attitude and slack enforcement on the part of the officials concerned have given a free hand to unscrupulous developers to come up with illegal colonies in Ludhiana. Such land sharks hoodwink unsuspecting people to invest their hard-earned money in owning their dream homes in illegal colonies. What should be done to check this growing practice?

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

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