Time once, now pollution reading

Rajiv Sharma

Once 2.5 PM and 10 PM were times on a clock, now they have become a measure of deadly particulate matter of smoke and dust we inhale to challenge organs meant for a gust of fresh air. Things were never so bad. There  are thick clouds of smoke all around and everyone appears to be clueless. Authorities are in a fix. Judiciary doesn’t know how to get its umpteen rulings executed by an indolent administration. Leaders are wary of losing their precious vote-banks. Farmers are citing the ‘cost factor’ to get rid of the stubble.

 We are forced to breathe in carcinogenic air until everyone behind the smog screen is able to reach a consensus and give oxygen a fair chance to flow in our lungs once again. Until then, our health is at the mercy of poisonous fumes being generated in monstrous proportions day in and day out.

We don’t spare a thought when dry leaves are burnt in a park, asphyxiating hapless morning walkers. Frequent forest fires don’t shock us anymore. Heritage buildings are gutted. No festive occasion is complete without crackers. Nothing scares us. The depleting ozone layer, coughing kids, itchy eyes, panting elderly, increasing carbon footprint — nothing stirs our soul.

Reduced visibility because of smoke emanating from burning fields leads to many accidents every year. But nothing is done because no one is answerable and life goes on.

Issuing pollution check certificate is a farce. Not a single vehicle undergoes the mandatory check before  issuing the certificate. Adulterated fuel used by  commercial vehicles to reduce input costs is also a big source of venomous spew.

We ourselves are responsible for the situation we are in. Gross insensitivity towards the environment and the callous attitude of the authorities have worked in tandem to ensure that we have landed ourselves in a gas chamber. Seeing young ones wearing masks to school, restricting the elderly indoors and cricketers of a neighbouring country staging a walkout  in the Capital of my country because of air pollution pains me. The day is not far, we all will have to carry oxygen canisters. 

Some problems don’t have a concise solution, but a firm resolution by everyone — people, authorities and NGOs — to bring about a change in the vitiated atmosphere. Sooner or later, said Evo Morales, we will have to recognise that the earth has rights too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.