Pune: Vadgaonsheri Residents Rally For Urgent Action On Soaring Air Pollution Crisis

Anaum Shaikh

Vadgaonsheri, 6th November 2023: Residents of Vadgaonsheri are sounding the alarm on the escalating air pollution crisis in Pune, urging immediate and comprehensive measures to tackle the issue. The deteriorating air quality poses significant threats to the health and well-being of the city’s residents.

The consequences of rising air pollution are severe, impacting public health by contributing to respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems. Vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly, face increased risks of lung cancer. The economic toll is substantial, resulting in higher healthcare costs and reduced productivity due to the surge in medical treatments.

In recent years, Pune has witnessed a notable decline in air quality. The pervasive practice of garbage burning significantly adds to the pollution levels, especially during cold temperatures, leading to temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground.

Beyond its effects on human health, air pollution wreaks havoc on the environment, contributing to climate change, damaging vegetation, and causing water pollution.

Residents propose critical measures to combat this crisis. Enforcing stringent emission standards for vehicles and industrial sources is crucial. Promoting public transportation, carpooling, and cycling can significantly reduce vehicle emissions.

Moreover, enhancing green spaces, planting trees, and reducing urban heat islands are essential steps in improving air quality. Educating residents about the dangers of air pollution is imperative for motivating proactive action. Urgent implementation of government policies promoting electric vehicles and reducing industrial emissions is necessary.

The call for action stems from the urgent need to prevent a situation akin to the air pollution crises witnessed in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Immediate and decisive actions are imperative to avert severe consequences. Pune’s residents are urged to collectively work towards a cleaner and safer environment.

Residents are also encouraged to improve indoor air quality by using air-purifying plants known for their ability to eliminate indoor pollutants. This includes plants like the Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, Peace Lily, Bamboo Palm, Rubber Plant, Boston Fern, Devil’s Ivy, Chrysanthemum, and Lavender. These plants work best in conjunction with good ventilation and other strategies to reduce indoor air pollution.

Raja Subramani, a resident, expressed concerns about Pune’s poor air quality, attributing it to various sources such as construction, vehicular traffic, dusty roads, and garbage burning. He emphasized the need for advisories from PMC to ensure necessary precautions, especially for the elderly and children.

Anuja Bali, a climate activist, highlighted the potential chaos awaiting Pune if stringent measures are not enforced. She pointed out the city’s challenges, including garbage heaps, uncontrolled tree felling, waste burning, congested roads, and an overflow of private vehicles. Residents, she noted, often flout norms, leading to widespread pollution in air, water, and land.

The urgency for action against both outdoor and indoor air pollution reflects the collective determination of Pune’s residents to mitigate this growing crisis and ensure a healthier and safer environment for all.