Open House: What needs to be done to check rising pollution in Ludhiana?

Plant more trees, nourish them as well

Even a hardy potted plant withers away is not cared for properly, much like the global ecosystem, hardy yet sensitive. This is exactly what is happening in Ludhiana, which is now among the 20 most-polluted cities in the country. Pollution is the release of toxic materials into the environment as a result of human activity, which can be extremely harmful to humans, animals and plants. Pollution’s negative effects vary in severity based on the pollutant, its properties and location. Improperly disposed garbage, oil spills and smoke emissions are to blame for this. Undoubtedly, rising pollution levels in the city prompted the district administration to launch a plantation drive, planting 15 lakh saplings to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Trees not only act as massive filters, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and emitting clean oxygen, but also provide an antidote to the climate change, which threatens life on Earth. So, if we want to improve human lives, whose survival is entirely dependent on a healthy ecosystem, we must plant trees and stop throwing garbage out in the open.

Novin Christopher

Let’s wake up

The ‘Wake-up Ludhiana for a liveable tomorrow’ initiative is a call to action for every resident, government office, educational institution, industry and community organisation in Ludhiana. Together, we can transform our city into a green, sustainable, and climate-resilient urban centre, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for generations to come. Let’s wake up Ludhiana, and work hand in hand for a liveable tomorrow. — A senior district administration official

Waste segregation crucial step

As we all know, air pollution is increasing on a daily basis. Our city, Ludhiana, fare badly on the air quality index, making it one of the top 20 most-polluted cities in the country. Air pollution causes a variety of health problems, including asthma and lungs. The government should dissuade farmers from stubble burning, as it is one of the leading causes of air pollution. Crop rotation must include more than just paddy and rice. At the household level, we should separate our waste and avoid dumping untreated waste into landfills, which can emit large amounts of methane and other toxic gases. We should take to carpooling, and the government should make it mandatory or require that people use public transport at least two or three days a week. The government should clean up roads with hoover machines. Industrialists who violate emission norms should face strict action. We must all work together to restore and protect our environment.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Robust waste management needed

To make Ludhiana greener and a more liveable city, immediate and decisive action is required. The corporation must take the lead in introducing eco-friendly public transport, which would surely reduce the carbon footprint. Citizens should be strongly encouraged to use public transport for their city commute. Robust waste management practices, including recycling, composting and efficient landfill use, are critical for managing and reducing industrial and household waste. To reduce their environmental impact, industries must take proactive steps such as implementing contemporaneous energy solutions like solar power and energy-efficient technologies. The corporation should strategically place an abundance of trash bins throughout the city to facilitate proper waste disposal. Furthermore, residents must accept their collective responsibility to keep public spaces clean, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. The ‘Wake up Ludhiana, for a livable tomorrow’ initiative encourages everyone to take action now to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.

Sehajbir Singh

Follow National green tribunal’s guidelines

According to a National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) study released by Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences, Ludhiana is the country’s 14th most-polluted city. Ludhiana has also emerged as the most polluted city in the state. It is shameful that it has performed so poorly. ‘Wake-up Ludhiana for a Liveable Tomorrow’ is an initiative spearheaded by the DC that aims to promote green campuses through tree planting and green cover expansion. The administration hopes to foster collaborations among educational and religious institutions, industries and government departments to support this initiative to engage the public in making Ludhiana clean and green. The AQI in Ludhiana remains around 120, which is harmful to the citizens’ health. Exposure to such polluted air can cause respiratory problems and other complications for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those who already have respiratory or cardiac conditions. The administration must carry out effective public awareness campaigns to inform residents that in order to live a healthy and long life, they must adopt carbon-neutral practices. The government should encourage the use of compressed natural gas and electric vehicles. The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) guidelines should be followed in full to reduce emissions from the district’s various industrial units. The PPCB should keep a close eye on factories to prevent them from discharging untreated effluents into MC sewers. We must not forget that 11 people died last year after inhaling toxic fumes in Ludhiana’s Giaspura industrial area due to the negligence of the officials concerned. It is important that contractors sprinkle water to keep dust from mixing with the air near construction sites. A separate department focused on the environment must be established within the civic body to hold public hearings where officials can testify about the city’s enforcement practices in this area. Only strict enforcement of environmental laws can ensure the continuation of life on our planet.

RS Sembhi

Encourage cleaner technologies

Ludhiana’s ‘Wake Up Ludhiana for a Livable Tomorrow’ initiative aims to create a greener future. This initiative is a proactive step towards protecting the city from pollution and improving the health of its residents. Here are some key suggestions for improving climate conditions:

Enhance greencover: Encourage extensive tree planting initiatives. Trees contribute significantly to environmental health by absorbing pollutants and providing oxygen. Increase the city’s green cover with parks, urban forests, and green spaces. These areas not only beautify the city, but also significantly improve air quality. Identify pollution sources: Address major sources of pollution, including industrial emissions, vehicular traffic, and waste management practices. Reduce emissions by implementing stricter regulations and cleaner technologies. Impact on public health: Discuss how pollution affects public health and the overall quality of life for Ludhiana residents. Air pollution is associated with respiratory diseases and other health issues, emphasising the importance of effective mitigation measures. Education and awareness: Provide sustainable development training to students and the community. Raise awareness of the value of environmental conservation and pollution control measures. Infrastructure improvements: Improve public transport systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles, resulting in lower emissions. Improve waste management techniques to reduce the environmental impact. Benefits of cleaner air: Emphasise the positive outcomes of improved air quality, such as better public health and a higher overall quality of life for residents. Reduce burning of waste in the open: Avoid burning waste materials in the open, as this contributes significantly to air pollution. Encourage effective waste management practices such as recycling and composting.

Harmandeep Kaur

‘Construction dust’ major issue

Addressing rising pollution levels in Ludhiana necessitates a concentrated effort to reduce industrial emissions and manage ‘construction dust’. Thus, enforcing strict pollution control measures in industries is critical. This includes mandating the installation of air pollution control systems and monitoring emissions on a regular basis. Industries must be held accountable for their environmental impact while adhering to regulatory standards. Such techniques can significantly reduce harmful pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, thereby improving overall air quality. Simultaneously, controlling dust from construction activities is critical. Construction sites are major sources of particulate matter in the air, which poses serious health risks to residents. Implementing dust-control guidelines, such as covering construction sites and using water sprays, can effectively address the issue. These measures will help promote long-term sustainability.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Tackle climate change for various angles

The primary goal of addressing rising pollution in cities such as Ludhiana requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders and strategies, including encouraging the adoption of cleaner energy resources such as solar and wind power. For pollution comes in many forms, we must also be aware of land pollution and properly manage our waste using the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle). Improving public transport can help reduce vehicular emissions by reducing the number of vehicles on the road and managing traffic flow more efficiently. Implementing a combination of these measures can help to reduce pollution while improving the quality of life for the residents.

Japleen Kaur

Create pedestrian-friendly infra

It is commendable that the district administration is taking steps to reduce pollution in Ludhiana. However, additional measures are necessary to combat rising pollution levels. Various drives have been launched to increase green cover in the city, but no one looks after the saplings after they have been planted. Had such initiatives been properly implemented, the city would have been a much healthier place. To ensure the success of such drives, public awareness is required. People should be encouraged to recycle and dispose their waste responsibly. Green commuting should also be implemented, which includes cycling, walking, and using public transport. The administration should create pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The government should strictly enforce emission standards for industries, vehicles and construction sites, imposing fines and penalties for noncompliance.

Jaspreet Kaur

Limit number of trips in personal vehicles

Among other forms of pollution in India, air pollution is regarded as the most dangerous, surpassing even tobacco use. Vehicles, industrial emissions, thermal power plants, construction dust, waste burning, and millions of poor households forced to cook with cheap fuel like wood and cow dung are the leading causes of air pollution. Air pollution can cause a wide range of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, strokes, diabetes and lung cancer. To reduce air pollution and its associated problems, we should limit the number of trips we take in our cars and eliminate wood/coal stoves. We must avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials, as well as the use of gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. The government must ration traffic and increase green space alongside roads. The MC must water trees along the roads and avoid ‘vacuum cleaning’ the roads. We should avoid throwing waste into rivers. Farmers must not burn crop stubble after harvesting. Most importantly, we must all work with the local government to reduce air pollution by planting more trees in our communities.

Farzana Khan

Enforce stricter emission standards

To effectively complement the ‘Wake Up Ludhiana for a Liveable Tomorrow’ initiative, we can concentrate on the following steps: The most important step is to create more green spaces, such as parks and forests. Construction activities should use sustainable materials on a large scale. We should promote more recycling. We should run awareness campaigns to educate residents on the importance of reducing pollution and implementing sustainable practices. We should enable stricter emission standards for industries. Encourage rooftop gardening as much as possible. We should encourage the community to participate in environmental conservation activities. We should encourage research into pollution-related health issues. Finally, the government should encourage collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations.

Prabhgun Kaur

Both govt, public need to act responsibly

Pollution can be reduced if both the government and public act responsibly. Polythene bags should be banned because they are not biodegradable. Similarly, residents should use biodegradable jute or paper bags. In everyday life, it is preferable to use recycled materials. Everyone should adhere to the principle of ‘recycle, reuse, and reduce’.Change happens when we initiate change in ourselves. Planting a sapling and taking stewardship of it can help the city develop and grow.

Manmeen Kaur

Reduce reliance on motorised transport

Pollution represents a significant threat to human survival. Planting trees is one option for controlling it, but we should also consider the city’s traffic levels. We need to encourage cycling and walking for short distances to reduce reliance on motorised transportation. Strategic planning is required to reduce this and increase green space.

Sahleen Kaur

QUESTION

With the onset of monsoons, the cases of snake bites are on the rise. At least three persons have already lost their lives in such incidents. Almost 50 cases of snake bites have been reported in Ludhiana so far. What needs to be done to check the snake threat to human lives?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com  by Thursday (July 25)