Sir,
The recent news of burgeoning pollution menace affecting the hapless populace of Jammu is a rude shock for the Jammuites but was it really a surprise? Absolutely not, given the quantum jump in vehicular traffic over the years and the criminal act of contaminating the fewer water resources remaining in the region, continuing unabated. It is irony when the world is debating over the issues of climate management by controlling the rate of emissions, the State Government is sleeping over the issues concerning the very survival of people. As per the reports there has been considerable increase in pollutants of air during the year 2014-15 measured at the pre fixed sites of Jammu city which points out the callous approach of the concerned agencies. Years ago the Govt carved out a separate department viz Pollution Control Board out of parent. Forest Department chiefly for managing the environmental part concerning the population. On the contrary, it seems that it has failed miserably in analyzing and implementing the technical recommendations made by the experts from time to time. True J&K is not the only State affected by the uncontrolled levels of pollution levels but it is crystal clear that the agencies are not working and coordinating with each other in controlling the factors which pose imminent threat to the existence of human life thereby denying a decent standard of life to people. The use of fossil fuels in and in the surroundings of Jammu has appreciably come down but the discharge of toxic oxides of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen are posing a big health hazard among the people. The subtle slow poisoning could rise to numerous respiratory and gastrointestinal afflictions with toxic gases in the atmosphere and harmful solid wastes including highly dangerous polyurethanes performing their deleterious role. The role of Forest Deptt lacks practicability in its implementation and obviously end results are discouraging. In this context few suggestions are solicited for the saner elements to react and act.
* The vacant bands of land on either sides of roads need to be rejuvenated by planting endemic species particularly bushy flowering and shady ones. If a sub tropical city like Chandigarh could create a cool and soothing environ of green tufts then why not ours.
* The traffic need to be decongested by constructing criss cross flyovers at the chronic choking chowks and important roundabouts which seems to be the only alternatives in minimizing the levels of pollution at present though involving huge planning and funding preferably through pvt reputed consortiums.
* Renewed sincere steps needed to monitor the discharge from chimneys of high processing industries on the National highway plus treatment of effluent discharge.
* Solid refuse and waste management needs to be upgraded for its efficient disposal.
* Involvement of Mohalla and Bazar comities, Offices and corporates, educational centers in planting, afforesting and help establishing the tree species seems to be order of the day as trees and plants are the best carbon sinks available to humanity on the planet.
Yours etc….
Virander Khashu
7/1 Anand Nagar Bohri
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