Every year 2nd December is celebrated as the World Pollution Prevention Day which marks the notable steps that the organizations and individuals can employ to be more mindful and respectful of the ecosystem. The embarkation of it was brought about in 1989 with the vision of highlighting the efforts and strategies that deem successful in reducing emissions of hazardous substances into the environment while also simultaneously ensuring the betterment of human health. The celebration of such provides an incredible platform for the people of the world to come together to the singular goal of protecting our planet. World Pollution Prevention Day aims to educate the masses about reduced car emissions, saying no to single plastic usage, not littering, promoting afforestation and the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).
Given that the 21st Century is referred to as the fourth industrial revolution with the rapid technological advancement, the pollution today stands at an all time high. And the need to take initiative, if not active action, becomes crucial with the threat of increasing melting glaciers looming largely over us.
However, it is almost criminal to be on the topic of pollution and not mention Bharat’s capital, Delhi. Delhi, in the last months, has been hit severely by bad air quality leaving its residents misty eyed and with varying throat infection. As recently as 1st December at 4 PM, the AQI was recorded at 372 (very poor) while the day before it stood at 401 (severe). On the morning of 2nd December, Delhi woke in thick fog where the 24 hour average stood at ‘very poor’ category at 375 at 10 AM.
Though some areas underwent some relief in terms of air quality, the others quite didn’t. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI in Delhi’s Anand Vihar was recorded at 388, in Ashok Vihar at 386, in Lodhi Road at 349 and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 366. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the wind speed to be around 5-6 KMs during the day while staying largely calm through the night. Hence, the starting days of December are expected to maintain the same air quality that they are currently experiencing.
Owing to increased vehicular emissions and the stubble burning activities in the neighboring areas of Delhi, it finds itself bearing the brunt of it. Something that the Supreme Court has already bashed the Delhi Government for being ignorant of. A bench comprising Justice S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia stated immediate action against the worsening AQI of Delhi. The top court further added, “The theory is known. The problem has been known for years, and it is your job to control it”.
In line with the World Pollution Prevention Day, Bharat celebrates its National Pollution Control Day on 2nd December, too. The history of which goes back to the bone chilling incident of Bhopal Gas Tragedy which took place on the intervening night of 2nd and 3rd December, 1984. It is considered as the worst industrial environmental catastrophe in the history of Bharat causing over 3700 deaths and over 5 lakh people being exposed to the deadly gas of methyl isocyanate. Ever since then, National Pollution Control Day has come into existence to both remind people and to make them cautious about the danger of industrial disaster.
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