Centre for Environment and Energy development (CEED) on Saturday organized a dialogue on “Cities’ role in addressing Air pollution and Public Health” here to discuss the issue of increasing air pollution in the state of Jharkhand. Experts from different fields were present who discussed in detail about its hazardous effects and steps that need to be taken towards better air management.
Nitish Priyadarshi of Ranchi University started with how the air forms a very small part of the environment. He said, “It is difficult to understand nature as it keeps changing. Air pollution has been a reason for deaths for quite some time now has become a major issue. It is important to take action before it leads to death of the entire human race”
CEED’s senior Program officer Ankita Jyoti, talked about how this issue is ignored in the State and stressed on making air pollution a priority. She said, “It is high time and we should start focusing on air pollution as many cities of Jharkhand including Ranchi are facing alarming levels of air pollution and requires immediate action.”
She urged the government to take action by introducing the ‘Clean Air Action Plan’. The plan has been particularly formulated to work towards reducing air pollution based on emission source, recognized regulations and management sources.
Air pollution is the third leading risk factor and has caused nearly 13 per cent of deaths. “Increase in Urbanization is leading to tremendous increase in Air pollution and no sustainable development. This situation can only be improved when proper measures like increase in air quality monitoring systems and Grade response Action Plan is taken,” added Jyoti
Neeraj Agarwal, Head-Community and Family Medcine, AIIMS, Patna, said, “The study published by British Journal ‘Lancet Commission’ stated that almost 100 deaths per 1 lakh population in Jharkhand happens due to air Pollution”
One of the first indicative factors that lead to addressing the issue was lack of Air quality monitoring system in Jharkhand. Reports on health data is lacking and a proper report or a profile regarding the level of air pollution will be of great help in fighting the issue as it would not only help the experts in knowing exactly what they are dealing with but also indicate seriousness of the problem added Agarwal.
Dr. Atri Gangopadhyay of Medica hospital also expressed his concerns on the subject of the deteriorating health of the people. He elaborated on various effects of air pollution and how it gives birth to serious diseases like Cancer. “We should create more awareness among the people and educate them regarding how one can curb air pollution”
People and activists from different cities who were also present at the conference expressed their problems and the need to take collective action to bring a positive change.