What foreigners tell their family about India

The fight against man-made pollution (like all other social maladies) starts at the grass-root level. The other day, as I disembarked from the bus near my home in Kolkata, I was looking for a dustbin / trash bin to dispose off my bus ticket. Couldn't find any. I saw many of my co-passengers dropping their tickets along with paan-masala empty pouches on the footpath. But I carried my ticket - a small piece of paper - with me till I came home, and put it in my trash can for the next day's collection by the municipality personnel. Strangely, between the bus stand and my home, which is about 250 yards, not a single trash bin has been placed by our local municipality. Why? I am asking this question. Let this question be asked by all citizens to the local village panchayat / city council persons. They should be held accountable first before we raise our voices to state and national level politicians.

Yes, India is the most polluted country and manybimportant cities are in the alarming or severe category. Such issue won't be well addressed so far Govt. has no right plan to curb it. No doubt, we should also be well disciplined and comply with all norms.

Solving the air pollution problem in India requires a multi-pronged approach that involves the government, industry, civil society, and citizens. Air pollution in India is a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, crop burning, construction dust, and the burning of solid waste. While the problem is vast, here are several solutions that can help alleviate air pollution in India: 1. Strengthen and Enforce Environmental Regulations Strict Emission Standards for Vehicles: Enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles (e.g., Bharat Stage VI norms) and encourage the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by offering subsidies and creating EV-friendly infrastructure (charging stations, etc.). Stringent Industry Regulations: Strengthen regulations on industrial emissions and ensure regular monitoring and enforcement. Industries, especially in areas with high pollution levels (like power plants), should adopt cleaner technologies such as scrubbers and filters to reduce emissions of particulate matter and other pollutants. Real-time Monitoring and Penalties: Enhance the use of real-time air quality monitoring systems in major cities and enforce penalties for non-compliance. Transparency and public access to air quality data can put pressure on industries and local authorities to take action. 2. Promote Cleaner Public Transport and Urban Planning Public Transport Overhaul: Develop and expand public transport systems (metros, buses, etc.) to reduce reliance on private vehicles. In cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, improving the reach, frequency, and affordability of public transport will lead to fewer cars on the road and reduced traffic emissions. Promotion of Non-Motorized Transport: Invest in infrastructure for walking and cycling, including dedicated lanes, pedestrian pathways, and bike-sharing systems. This reduces traffic congestion and contributes to cleaner air. Smart Urban Planning: Encourage cities to adopt cleaner urban planning, focusing on reducing vehicular emissions, promoting green spaces, and creating pedestrian-friendly zones. Urban areas should also implement car-free days or low-emission zones, like those already seen in European cities. 3. Transition to Renewable Energy Shift to Solar, Wind, and Other Renewables: India’s power generation largely relies on coal, which is a major contributor to air pollution. Accelerating the transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) will reduce the country’s reliance on coal-based power plants and improve air quality. Energy Efficiency Programs: Implement energy efficiency programs across industries, homes, and offices. Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart energy management systems to reduce overall energy demand. 4. Reduce Crop Burning and Promote Alternatives Support for Farmers: Stubble burning, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, is a major contributor to seasonal air pollution. The government should provide farmers with financial incentives and subsidies to adopt alternative methods like mulching, composting, or using machinery that eliminates the need for burning crop residues. Promote Biomass Energy: Promote the use of agricultural residues for biomass-based energy generation. This could provide farmers with an alternative source of income and reduce the need for burning. 5. Control Construction and Road Dust Enforce Dust Control Measures: Construction and road dust contribute significantly to air pollution. Urban authorities should mandate the use of dust control measures such as water sprinklers, barriers, and covering of construction sites with nets. Green Cover and Urban Forestry: Increase green cover in cities by planting more trees, creating urban forests, and implementing green rooftops. Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and providing cleaner air. 6. Promote the Use of Clean Cooking Technologies Subsidize Clean Cookstoves: In rural India, indoor air pollution from the burning of biomass fuels (wood, cow dung, etc.) is a major problem. The government can promote cleaner cookstoves that reduce emissions of particulate matter and harmful gases. Additionally, providing access to LPG or biogas can reduce reliance on traditional cooking methods. Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about the dangers of indoor air pollution and the benefits of clean cooking technologies. 7. Strengthen Air Quality Monitoring and Public Awareness Real-time Data Access: Improve access to real-time air quality data, especially in urban areas. This allows citizens to make informed decisions and forces local authorities to act on pollution issues. Public Awareness Campaigns: Government and NGOs should conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the health impacts of air pollution and encourage behavior changes, such as reducing vehicular use, not burning garbage, and minimizing the use of firecrackers during festivals. Citizens’ Participation: Encourage citizens to become active participants in monitoring air quality and reporting violations through apps and platforms. Public participation can increase accountability and pressure on authorities to take action. 8. Reduce Use of Firecrackers and Festival Pollution Ban on Harmful Firecrackers: Enforce stricter regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers, particularly during festivals like Diwali. Encourage eco-friendly alternatives such as laser shows, sound-based fireworks, and other green alternatives. Promote Sustainable Practices: Educate people on the environmental consequences of excessive firecracker use and promote awareness around eco-friendly celebrations. 9. Waste Management and Solid Waste Pollution Efficient Waste Segregation and Disposal: Improve waste management infrastructure, including recycling programs and waste-to-energy plants. Prevent the burning of plastic, garbage, and other waste in open areas, a practice that contributes significantly to air pollution. Public Engagement on Waste Reduction: Promote waste reduction practices like composting and the reuse of materials at the household level. In cities, encourage waste segregation at the source and community-based waste management initiatives. 10. Enhance Green Spaces and Urban Gardens Green Parks and Open Spaces: Cities should focus on increasing the number of parks and green spaces to absorb pollutants. These spaces can act as natural air purifiers, providing cleaner environments for urban dwellers. Urban Farming and Gardening: Promote rooftop gardens, urban farming, and community gardens, which can absorb CO2, increase green cover, and improve the overall air quality in dense urban areas. 11. Promote Research and Innovation Support for Clean Air Technologies: Invest in research and development of clean air technologies such as air purifiers, green building technologies, and innovative pollution control systems. Cross-sector Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between government bodies, private sectors, research organizations, and NGOs to tackle air pollution in a systematic, coordinated way. 12. International Cooperation and Global Standards Adopt Global Best Practices: Learn from countries that have successfully reduced air pollution, such as the UK, Japan, and South Korea, and adapt their strategies to India’s unique needs. Climate Change Mitigation: India should continue to play an active role in global climate agreements (such as the Paris Agreement), focusing on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the broader environmental impacts of air pollution.

The solution is directly related to bad farming practices. The reason we have rice farming in the area is because old vote bank policies. Rice farming is not correct for the area. Burning that is what is making Delhi so polluted.

The problem is ; - There is too much population and population density in India - The cities need to be decongested and soon - People have to give up selfishness, a sense of 'I should live well, let others go to hell'