AGAINST POLLUTION

This is perhaps a necessary step to bring the world's most polluted metropolis back on track. The Environmental Pollution Control Authority, or EPCA, has banned diesel-powered generators throughout the National Capital Region. This ban was there earlier, but its scope was limited to Delhi and New Delhi only. It has now been extended to parts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana adjoining the capital.

This restriction is imposed when the entire NCR environment is in relatively better condition. One of the major reasons for this is the weather and also the prolonged monsoon. It is also certain that such conditions will not last long. As the cold increases, the air in this region starts to become dangerous in terms of all the standards of health. The sheet of temperature and mist does not allow the dust and smoke of the metropolis to rise very much and people here are forced to breathe in this poisonous air. Therefore, such decision was also necessary before winter came. Keeping in mind the future fears, the Delhi government has also decided to allow trains of even and odd numbers to run from November itself. Along with this, it is also necessary to keep hope that after a few days, when the crop will be cut, this time the straw in Haryana and Punjab fields will not be burnt.

Just two days ago, an advertisement was published in the newspapers of the Delhi government stating that the use of generators in Delhi has almost stopped due to the uninterrupted power supply. It has also played a role in protecting Delhi's environment from pollution. But the situation of uninterrupted power supply in Delhi is not in other cities around it. Regular, irregular and accidental load shedding and power cuts are an everyday thing here. It is also the area where most of Delhi's industries have shifted during the last few decades. All these small and big industries have to adjust to this situation of power supply. There are also services like hospitals, where there is a need to maintain power supply at any cost. In such a situation, it is the generator that supports them all. In this context, the implementation of EPCA's decision in the entire NCR will not be as easy as it was in Delhi. Delhi was also allowed to operate diesel generators for the operation of elevators etc. in an emergency, some similar concessions can also be given to the entire capital region.

In the capital region, the use of less polluting natural gas has increased in the recent past, apart from trains; it is being supplied to homes. One way can also be supplied in industries and hospitals etc., as well as to encourage generators operating from natural gas. Another thing to be noted in this case is that dust is the biggest cause of pollution in this region and this is a factor that has not been given much attention to control. These solutions are also necessary because the solutions we will find in Delhi will inspire other cities of the country.