Delhi-NCR residents, who need to work outdoors despite choking smog, narrate their health woes.

Delhi-NCR residents, who need to work outdoors despite choking smog, narrate their health woes.
If we can shoot missiles in space, we can surely develop technology to keep our rivers clean and make our waste management practices more efficient too, isn’t it? This was the thought that came to my mind when I heard the Mission Shakti announcement.
I heard that before Prime Minister announced this achievement on national television, many people were expecting it to be a ‘demonetisation-esque’ announcement. Some people panicked when Modiji got a bit delayed in making the announcement, but later sighed in relief, when they realised that Mission Shakti would not have any direct impact on their daily lives.
India can now shoot down satellites in space. I am proud of this achievement and I have been watching to news channels to understand more. I learnt that India is the fourth country in the world after the U.S, Russia and China with access to the anti-satellite missile technology that Mission Shakti boasts of. This missile can shoot down any other satellite in space if the need arises. And I find it unbelievable that we have done this before countries like Australia, England and France!
Having said that, while the BJP government is making big strides in space, I feel they should not forget the ground realities. As a country, after we have begun to feel more secure strategically, we would also like to feel more secure financially. Narendra Modi should think about giving benefits to workers in the vast unorganized sector — of which I am a part.
I am happy that Narendra Modi has made an effort to reach out to the likes of us through initiatives like Mann ki baat. It makes me feel as if I am a part of the country’s monumental achievements. My life has definitely changed for the better in the past five years. For that, I would give the credit to both my hard work and the government policies.
I admire the NDA government’s work, but they need to be cautious now, as after one has taken care of external problems, people will start questioning the government on problems that affect them directly. This government has been given one chance, and it has taken care of larger matters, but if it comes to power the second time around, it needs to look at the smaller issues that matter a lot.
2) and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) for these industries. This took over six months of protracted arguments in court. But now that the standards have been issued, there is little or no enforcement. This is what needs to be changed. But there is some good news. The MOES report finds that emissions from residential sector have reduced by half from 2010 to 2018. This is because of the increased penetration of LPG even in the poorer areas of the city. This means that something can be done. It will show up in the atmosphere. We will breathe better and cleaner air. This is where our efforts have to be deployed. This is where we must stay focussed. Till next winter. With better news. (This article was first published in Down To Earth www.downtoearth.org ) ]]>
Mohd Kayam, a security guard in Delhi-NCR is living with chest congestion and cough. Medicines are a staple for him. More than himself, he is worried about his children, who are always suffering from cold and cough. He wonders if we can ever get our blue skies back
I clearly remember as kids, we used to count stars while sleeping on the terrace of our house in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Now, a shroud of haze blankets the beautiful spread of stars that the universe laid out for us. I don’t remember when was the last time I saw stars like those. I am sure not many people in Delhi-NCR can recall it either. I feel sorry for the generation born now — would they know of stars only through nursery rhymes?
Can we ever get our blue skies back? I am a security guard. Every day, I am exposed to polluted air and harsh weather. As a precaution, I wear a mask, but I don’t know if it is actually of any use. After completing my 12-hours, when I go back home, wash my face and rinse my mouth, the sink turns black. Over the years, my health has deteriorated. It takes an effort to breathe. My chest is always congested and medicines have become a staple.
I have visited Lal Bahadur Hospital and local doctors in the past for treatment. What worries me the most is the health of my children. Children now have a compromised immunity. Air pollution is killing children and we are helpless. I have noticed that people living in high-rise apartments have stopped sending their kids to play in the open.
Air pollution has snatched away their childhood. It was never like this when we were young. We used to spend hours playing in the ground and even in mud. Smog has forced parents to keep their kids locked inside their homes. Parks, tennis and badminton courts are lying vacant. Only some senior citizens come for walks. It is just not about Delhi, people living in other parts of the country are also complaining of pollution-related issues. The situation is apocalyptic and I do not know if we have the power or capability to reverse the damage that has already been done. Companies are minting money selling masks and purifiers and the time is not too far when we will have to pay for clean air.
When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Control your personal Cookie Services here.