The grim statistic — of 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 because of air pollution — must make planners take note (Editorial, “Death in the air”, December 10). The use of traditional fuels, more numbers of motor vehicles, deforestation and industrialisation are the main reasons, that are hardly under check. It is not surprising that governments in India are not in a hurry to tackle air pollution as it is a problem that does not directly affect people. People must now lead the way and draw attention to the problem.
Unnikrishnan Mangalasseri,
Manjeri, Kerala
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With air pollution increasingly becoming a major factor for mortality, it is time to politicise the issue as in the case of Australia when people protested the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef, forcing political parties to take note. If one can add 1.7 years to one’s life expectancy by controlling air pollution, we must implement strict policies. One also eagerly waits to see the formation in India of a new political party with an ideology dedicated to the environment and climate change.
Sourjya Ray,
New Delhi
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Air pollution management is emerging as one of the biggest challenges India faces today given its impact on health outcomes and the economy. While we must expect the state to take decisive policy actions, we, as citizens, must also take responsibility of our own health. Car pooling and using public transport are some ways to start with. If citizens can inculcate behavioural change, it will go a long way in supplementing as well as stimulating state action.
Siddharth Chaturvedi,
Mumbai
The day may not be far off when we would have to be purchasing a can of fresh air to breathe. The parameters to measure air pollution are of no use as the standard for fresh air crossed the safe zone a long time ago.
A. Ashok,
New Delhi