DELHI POLLUTION: FIGHTING ODDS TO MAKE THINGS EVEN

BY APURVA RAI

DELHI has emerged as one of the most polluted cities in the world, particularly concerning quality of air. A World Health Organisation report in 2014 said that 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities were in India, with New Delhi being worst among them.

A glance through Air Quality Index indicates that those living in the national capital should avoid moving out in open. Shameful, isn't it for any city! 

Still, how long can one stay indoors! Whether you are a student, a worker, a businessperson or a housewife at times it becomes imperative to move out. Nobody can afford to stay behind the doors for a long time as neither the human temperament allows it nor the circumstances permit.

A SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) study earlier this year showed that the rise in the number of vehicles has led to emissions from the transport sector growing by more than 30% between 2010 and 2014, accompanied by a marginal increase of around 5% due to rise in traffic density in terms of dust.

Experts warn outdoor exposure can lead to severe health issues. Breathlessness, asthama, harm to lungs, heart and digestive systems are many factors that affect people irrespective of their age. Traffic policemen wearing masks at different crossings is a common sight in the national capital. Not only this one can also see small children going to schools and others going to workplaces wearing masks to prevent inhaling toxic air.

The air pollution has recorded a sharp increase forcing the Delhi government to take some harsh decisions to check the deteriorating air quality and frequent smog that engulfs the city and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR).

BEATING ODD-EVEN FORMULA
Fighting pollution has become one of the most challenging problems for the Delhi government. One method adopted by the government is allowing private four-wheelers on alternate days according to the vehicle registration number. This means that vehicles bearing an even number will run on even days and vehicles with odd number will run only on odd days.
 
The odd-even formula is the hottest topic of discussion and most people living in Delhi and NCR are either busy finding methods to prove odd-even formula defunct. Does it not sound funny that those living in one of the most polluted cities are discussing car numbers rather than methods to improve the quality of air in their city. Instead, they are busy finding methods that their driving continues uninterrupted irrespective of the day whether it is odd or even. People are heard saying with pride that they possess two cars-- one with odd number plate and another with even number plate.

While the government has resorted to giving all publicity to the odd-even driving formula it has not even once come out with other methods to fight air pollution in Delhi. The silence of Delhi government over methods to increase green cover, check mindless construction activity and addressing the problem of waste management is very loud and clear. What one is made to understand is that passenger cars are the biggest culprit and are doing nothing but polluting the city's air.

I feel pity for poor cars!

LOST FOCUS
The efforts of the Delhi government to check rising air pollution suffers major setback when other factors like smoke belching public and commercial vehicles, illegal factories, massive solid waste on the roads, burning of bio-wastes, out-dated thermal power plants, open sewage drains and diesel generators are not addressed in right ernest.

Go around the markets and industrial belts during power cuts and it wouldn't be difficult to find diesel generators polluting the air with their thick black smoke besides making best contribution to noise pollution as well. But who cares. You will be challaned in Delhi only if you are travelling in a car with odd number on even date.

To beat the odd-even formula a large number of people have purchased more cars. And yes, there is no penalty for that. One can go on buying any number of cars without any check as long as there is money in pocket. This means that the number of cars in Delhi will definitely go up manifold soon which in turn will have its adverse effect on quality of air in the national capital. Thus all efforts of the government to reduce the number of cars on Delhi roads will soon have a contradictory effect in near future.

Certainly your prosperity becomes a problem for me. But who listens and who cares! The govenment is alright as long as people are driving with even number cars on even days and so on.

TREE PLANTATION IGNORED
It is a common sense that air pollution can be best tackled with vast green cover. Surprisingly the Delhi government never thought of it and has not presented any roadmap how to increase green belts and green areas in the city. Nobody cares even if encroachments are made on vacant lands and commercial activities flourish there. Large chunks of vacant lands and public parks in Delhi are used by small- time vendors to earn their livelihood.

 These people come there, sell their goods, make the surroundings dirty and leave. Nobody to check them as long as they are greasing the palms of policemen or other concerned people.

Has anybody thought of planting trees or making huge nurseries on such vacant lands? One needs to understand that trees too give large business but you need to commercialise plantation activity for this. The government needs to form green areas and develop them as tourist attractions. This will have double benefit-- it will yield good profits beside cleaning the quality of air.

CHECK CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
The government has largely turned a blind eye on mindless construction activity within city limits and NCR areas. Any decent apartment within municipal limits of the national capital costs anything above half-a-crore rupees. How many people can afford to buy these houses and who are the ones buying them? Or how many of the needy persons are buying these flats or can afford to buy one? Has the government ever checked this!

A lot of black money is pumped in buying flats after flats either in Delhi or NCR because there is no restriction on buying private builder houses. Splurge because nobody will ask you questions and also because construction activity is not listed as major contributor to polluting air in Delhi.

It is time time to recall that presence of fine dust in Delhi's air is the result of massive construction activity. It has now been established that Delhi is not a good place for those suffering from asthama or other lung diseases. But Delhi is certainly a good place to invest money in apartments no matter whether you need it or or not.

Construction activity will come down if houses are purchased by and constructed for the needy only. Once this happens the pollution level will see a significant drop automatically.

However, the odd-even formula has been implemented in Delhi and its results are keenly awaited. Whatever the outcome, it is certainly a good beginning as it shows the sincerity of the administration to check rising air pollution. My Second Opinion is that it would have been much better if the government had come up with a bunch of measures rather than putting aam admi to self-imposed inconvenience.

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NOTE

Also read other my other pieces:

Copy/ Paste the given links to reads these Blogs. 

1) BECOMING KEJRIWAL! (2019)
https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2020/02/becoming-kejriwal.html

2) हवा ही है ज़हरीली (2019)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2019/12/blog-post.html 

3) अब दिल्ली महानगरपाविका चुनाव (2017)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2017/04/blog-post.html

4) Monsoon and Delhi Roads (2017)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2017/07/monsoon-and-delhi-roads.html

5) Delhi Fights Pollution: Odds Come Again (2016)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2016/04/delhi-fights-pollution-odds-come-again.html

6) Delhi Pollution- Check 'Green Agenda' of Builders (2015)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/07/delhi-pollution-time-to-check-green.html

7) Delhi Pollution: Mindless Driving Major Concern (2015)

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/07/mindless-driving-polluting-delhi.html

8) मैं और मेरी दिल्ली (2011)

http://apurvarai.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post.html

 

WILL ONION EVER MAKE A FARMER SMILE !

BY APURVA RAI

JUST a few days ago me and my family were invited to a dinner by a friend of mine who happened to be Brahmin by birth. Soon after reaching his home we were served with some cold juice and hot pakoras. The snacks made me comfortable and pepped up my hunger as I was more eager in a sumptuous food. 

A short while later we were very politely asked to join the family for dinner. I felt happy. The hosts were quite humble and guided us to the dining area which was adjacent to the drawing room. The dinner lounge was well lit and the table beautifully arranged. I felt even happier. However, the happiest moment came when the lids were removed and a nice aroma filled the entire room.

I have a strong belief that the way you are served food and the way you are treated at the dining table only gives you the impression what place you have in the minds and heart of the hosts. Here it was somewhat like that. Though there were not many dishes but the simplicity, grace and love showered on me and my family gave us a feeling that we are nothing less than VIPs. Perhaps it was an evening for us only.

Nice cutlery, perfectly placed plates, spoons and glasses proved how special we were for our hosts. To me the nicely done dinner table clearly spoke volumes about the hospitality showered by my friend's family and how well articulate was his better half who had taken care of every little thing that one could expect.

Everyone took his seat. My eyes were still gazing at the arrangement of things and the nice cutlery. To add goodness to the things there was nice food in the middle of the table. The colour and aroma was enough to shift my mind to a dream mode and it quickly started imagining how nice the food would taste once it is transferred from serving bowls to my plate. However, that precious moment was yet to arrive and my impatience and anxiousness was put to further test. Before we could help ourselves my friend dropped a bomb--- "the food has been prepared by my wife without using garlic and onion." It was then I realised that I was invited to the dinner by a Brahmin friend who would abstain from onion and garlic.

Onion brings smiles too!

I laughed and said you save a lot of money. The topic of discussion now turned towards escalating onion prices which have brought tears into the eyes of common man. While we were still laughing and discussing onion prices and the politics of onions in India I could see a sense of pride on my friend's face.

For quite some time onion is stealing newspaper headlines and the news channels clamouring over its north-bound prices. Even my mobile phone is full of various satires and satirical images related to onion which have poured in from various sources on WhatsApp. 

After the dinner was over and I had left the friend's place I realised that onion not only brings tears into eyes it also brings smiles on the faces of many.

Right from my childhood I have found onion finding place on the front page of the newspapers at least once in a year. I have also found it strange that even the prime minister of India needs to intervene or at least take note of onion prices which is a basic ingredient for cooking food in millions of kitchens. Ironically, not a single prime minister right from Indira Gandhi to Narendra  Modi has been able to solve the issue or stabilise the prices of onions which are the basic requirement of food whether it is the rich man or a poor man's kitchen. As a layman I have never been able to understand who actually determines the prices of onion and why is that every time only politicians need to interfere in the issue or need to get involved in the muddle. 

Biggest mystery

I feel onion prices are the biggest mystery in Independent India which not a single food minister or the prime minister has been able to solve till now. So much so that onions have even led to the fall of several governments in the past and even today they are a major issue during electioneering. It is again a mystery that the politicians make so of hue and cry over onion prices before elections but find themselves helpless as soon as elections are over and they are in power. It may also be true, I guess, that the politicians are not interested in stabilizing the prices of onions for obvious reasons.

What saddens me most is the fact that farmers producing onions continue to be poor, debt-ridden and often committing suicide in despair. What astounds me again is that not a single politician has ever committed suicide over onions though they express maximum concern over it. I feel sorry when I find those producing onions have to take loans and in case of failure to repay it they have to end their life.

Clever middlemen rule

On the other hand, politics over onion is done by those who are clever, have muscle power, money but no desire to find a solution. May be perhaps if onion prices are settled and the prices come down the farmers will live and the politicians die. While the crisis takes the lives of innocent, poor and ordinary, making hungama over it gives life to those who are influential, powerful and rich. 

While farmers grow and sell onion so that even the most ordinary person can fill his stomach the rich and influential just make an appearance midway without making any productive contribution and do everything to fill their wallets. This might not be noticed anywhere in the world but it happens in India. Hoarding of food is so very unique to India and still those involved in this (mal) practice have not even once been punished by any government that has ruled this nation which is known for its agriculture.

After many decades of politics over onions I am waiting to see when this small necessity for even a poor man's food will bring tears in the eyes of hoarders and make a farmer smile.

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NOTE:

To read another related article please copy/paste the given link.

1) Land Acquisition and Fate of Farmers

https://apurvaopinion.blogspot.com/2015/06/land-acquisition-and-fate-of-farmers.html

May I have your attention please, Mr Prime Minister!

BY APURVA RAI
 
COME July and preparations begin for Independence Day celebrations which falls on August 15. There is excitement as people await with bated breath for the prime minister's speech that he delivers from the ramparts of Red Fort. 

The prime ministerial speech is all about the achievements of government and the tasks accomplished for the welfare of the people but it also gives an indication about the shape of things to come.

The year 2015 is something different as this time Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought people's views on his speech that he will deliver from Red Fort. I have found the idea quite exciting and felt following issues would be relevant.

Here's a brief of my views.

FARMERS ISSUE

The farmers of our country are the most neglected lot. It is unforunate we eat food produced by them but do not think of them and their welfare. It is a cruel joke that the Agriculture ministers have so far only done politics on such issues which affect our farmers.

It is for this reason that the prime minister should talk about farmers and farming in his Independence Day speech. Importantly, the PM will have to demonstrate in coming days that he is indeed serious about farmers and is taking steps to to 'empower' them. Talking about farmers from the ramparts of the Red Fort will at least give an impression that the PM of India thinks about farmers and is keen to rederess their grossly neglected grievances.

So far nothing concrete has been done for the welfare of farmers of the country. They are poor, live a hard life, barely have the amenities that their counterparts in urban areas enjoy, work very hard yet get little, are landlords but live like a worker, most exploited community across India and so on.

Remove Middlemen: The farmers work day and night and produce a rich harvest but when it is time to sell it in the market they are surrounded by clever and cunning middlemen.

The community of middlemen is th biggest bane of independent India. They are there to exploits the honest and hard working people and pocket a larger share of profits.

In the case of farmers the middlemen buy the produce at cheaper prices and sell it at much higher price later. Why so? Why can't a farmer himself sell his produce in the open market and keep the profit himself? Has the govt ever provided any infrastructure where a farmer gets facilities to sell his yield directly? There is a lot to be done in this direction but nobody even thinks of it. There are sharks waiting for the harvest at the end of the season and pounce upon the poor farmers and give them peanuts in return. 

A farmer is there not only to work in fields and grow crops he also deserves to get  best prices for it. And for this he should get the freedom of every kind.

Investing for Farmers: The farmer of our country is poor but feeds the rich who are enjoying life in urban areas. Why does the government not allow industrialists, businessmen to invest in green fields? The businessmen should be allowed to negotiate with the Gram Panchayat and invest money in seasonal crops in the entire village. After the harvest is ready the industrialist will collect the produce and sell it in the market. The farmer will get his due which shall be worked out in a contract with the Gram Panchayat. Thus the farmer remains owner of his land, does not need to invest money in crops and gets a fair income at the end of the season.

Once business class ventures into the agriculture fields the farmers will be exempted from investing in the crops and will need to work for a good harvest only. The problem of bringing in technology and other logistics will be that of investor who will also take care of selling the produce. What the farmers get is the best return of their land and hard work.

The biggest development will be employment generation in agricultural field as one will need techninal experts, labour, planners, maintenance technicians, bankers etc in the rural areas. Once rural areas start showing signs of development the rush towards urban cities in search of jobs will halt. Even rural areas will become hub of employment and soon will be known as developed villages.

URBAN TRAFFIC

The prime minister should talks about traffic jams that occurs in cities. Every day the VIPs and common man alike have to go through traffic snarls and their work gets affected. The PM should tell people that nobody shall be allowed to own more than two cars and purchase of multiple cars will invite heavy taxation.

He must talk of developed public transport system at least in every state capital. The way we have Metro train in Delhi every stae capital in India must have either Metro or Mono Rail for the convenience of people.

POLLUTION

Air: Growing pollution is another area of concern. The PM should invite people to take up the cause of greenery and plant good trees in open spaces around their neighbourhood. He should announce that every city should have a forest area like green belts where there is heavy plantation. This will serve a the lung of the city and help people breathe fresh air.

Water: Water pollution is the greatest problem that India faces. The PM should announce some measures that make water supplied through pipelines is of better quality. So far nothing has been done to make water authorities responsible for clean water supply. The PM should ensure that staff at water authorities does not enjoy and has more responsibilities.

EDUCATION

Study Pattern: Uniform school education system across the country is another area of concern. A Class  2 student in Srinagar should be studying the same thing what another Class 2 student in Mumbai or Bangalore studies. But this is not so in India. Does the govt plan anything on this.

Fee: Money brings biggest discrimination among children in the form of fee. A child paying higher fee in a bigger school gets superiority complex and feels himself above all other such students who study in smaller schools. Thus the very first lesson in education goes wrong. Why does the govt not announce a cap in school fee for all schools across the country. Also the govt should announce at least two central schools in every district and allow admissions there for all children of the region.

Sports: Running a school has become a business because many people open them in small areas without even having proper infrastructure. Sports is one such field where most schools lag behind. Such schools should not be approved which do not have proper sports ground. Every child must participate in sport activities in order to get promoted to next standard.

It will be better if schools with large buildings expand their horizons and even organise subsidised screening of films on weekends and holidays. This way school students will be discouraged to bunk classes and go to multiplexes.

BLACK MONEY

For a long time there has been a raging debate on black money. There are people who 'earn' a lot and build lot of properties, drive luxury numerous cars and indulge in extravagant lifestyle. The hunger for money never ends and those who can 'earn' want more houses and fixed deposits as their 'income' goes up. The PM should announce a simple measure--- nobody shall be allowed to own more than three houses in the country. It does not matter whether the property comes from the govt or the private builders. This means if a person has a villa in Delhi he may be allowed to buy two more- say one in Bangalore and one in Nainital. But things should stop there. Once the 'rich' man has owned three homes what shall he do with the remaining money? Obviously he will indulge in some charity or he will stop 'earning' that extra buck.

Similarly nobody should be allowed two buy more than two cars.

Putting a ceiling on spendings will come as a big check in controlling corruption. Just be strong and announce it it, Mr Prime Minister.

SENIOR CITIZENS

Medical: The senior citizens of our country are grossly neglected. There is no dedicated medical facility for them. No doctor attends them at priority and there are no separate wards for them in hospitals. What is worse is that senior citizens generally need a home service quite often and this is missing in our society.

Money: The senior citizens aged 70 and above should be exempted from Income Tax. I know people will abuse this facility but this is how the govt can show some respect to them. This is one way that the oldies in the family will get some money in their hands otherwise generally they are deprived of all the money by many heartless children.

Facilities: The LTC should be continued for senior citizens even after retirement. While in service LTC does not carry much meaning because of time restraint and non vailability of leaves. Now that a person has a lot of time and is willing to travel with spouse the LTC is gone. Just continue it and believe me you will see a surge in tourism.

LAW AND ORDER

The fear for law and order has more or less vanished. Criminals are not afraid of anyone and the law takes a long time in imparting justice. Criminals have become fearless perhaps because they are confident that nobody can harm them. On the other hand the victims remain sufferers because they find justice eluding them. One expects that the prime minister will give a clear message in his Independence Day speech that the law is indeed stringent the guilty shall never be spared. The people of this country need an assurance that the criminals are always within the reach of law and cannot escape under any circumstances.