Delhi may now be sincerely trying to improve the city’s air quality by committing to odd even formula but the pollution levels of the city still show that a lot would have to be done in order to improve the city’s air.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) may have banned waste burning by imposing a hefty fine of Rs 5000 on the violators but what seems to be hidden from public eye is the fact that many citizens are using bonfires for keeping themselves warm in the biting cold of the city. Polash Mukherjee of Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said: “The smoke coming out from bonfires is causing pollution and health hazards, even for the people who are using them to keep themselves warm.”
Explaining the harmful effects, Mukherjee said: “The smoke from such sources often has Carbon Monoxide which in extreme cases can lead to death by blocking oxygen. Besides, they are also a major source for releasing nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrocarbons which contains various carcinogenic chemicals.” Dr Sharma, a renowned city pulmonologist said that many people still burn waste materials rather than dead leaves, due to their easy availability.
Dr Sharma said: “Often such materials contain arsenic, lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury and beryllium which are bad for your respiratory health.”