Air, quality
Sir: The article “Air and Quality” by Dr S Saraswathi (OP, April 30) speaks a lot on the deteriorating condition in Delhi and other big cities. The air pollution scenario is worsening due to round-the-clock vehicle movement, presence of industries in urban areas, waste recycling etc. The ill effects of air pollution are many like global warming, acid rain, increase in smog, haze, dust particulates and ecological issues, like much rain or no rain.
To reduce air pollution, the National Green Tribunal has banned all diesel vehicles that are more than ten years old. CNG, a clean fuel, is used largely in Delhi for public transport vehicles since the mid 1990’s. Also, by the order of courts, many polluting industries have been shut. Even then, Delhi’s air is dirtier compared to that of other cities.
In this context, a study by Prof Dinesh Mohan of IIT, Delhi, indicates that Kerosene is largely responsible for vehicular pollution. It is mixed with diesel because it is highly subsidised and its price is about one-third of diesel. Though adulterated diesel spoils diesel engine and pollute the air enormously, this fact remain suppressed. Concerned ministries may consider abolishing subsidy to kerosene, and instead give solar lamps to the needy free of cost.
Secondly, our urban power is so erratic that diesel generator sets are being increasingly being used as back-up. These are highly polluting yet serve an important purpose. There is huge theft of electricity in the distribution system. Hence, distribution companies cannot ensure 24×7 power supply. There is need to abolish subsidised electricity and check theft to curtail pollution by generators.
Since transport is a major factor contributing to vehicular pollution, a new concept involving mixed residential – cum-commercial zones and residential-cum-office complexes may be introduced so as to reduce commuting, and thereby reduce vehicle pollution.
Ramesh Chandra Sahoo, chief manager (environment), CMPDI, BHUBANESWAR
Quake, exploitation
Sir: The unprecedented earthquake in Nepal has caused massive loss of life and property. Relief has been reached to hapless victims from all corners of the world. Yet, it will take ages to bring Nepal back to normalcy. Children and young girls are vulnerable to deceitful measures from human traffickers who are bound to take advantage of the present difficult situation. Girls would be lured by false promises of a decent lifestyle. NGOs and the government are urged to be cautious on this front.
Abhas Porichha, JEYPORE
