India’s Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari, recently shared a very impactful suggestion, to end Delhi’s pollution. He said that if the Govt imposes CNG as the only medium to run vehicles, then pollution will end.
He was inspired to share this suggestion on December 3, when the data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed that the overall AQI of Delhi measured 274, which is categorized as “poor”.
Infact, he was lucky to arrive in Delhi on December 3, because a fortnight ago, on Nov 16, the AQI of some parts of Delhi was beyond 900, termed “hazardous”, not fit for humans or animals. Visibility was down to 100 meters, as the Govt imposed Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), that’s the most extreme step.
AQI has now come down to 280-300 level, which is again severe and extremely dangerous.
The suggestion shared by Nitin Gadkari to end pollution, makes sense as well. As per research by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), 50% of Delhi pollution is due to vehicles, emitting smoke and gas. Around 1.1 million vehicles move in Delhi, every day. And this causes extreme pollution, and if CNG is imposed for all vehicles, then, pollution will theoretically come down by 50%.
Yes, we all know that this ain’t possible, as the Govt continues to grapple with the severe pollution, and dangerous air quality in the National Capital.
Our founder, Vishal Vivek, is a brand ambassador for sustainable living, and his mission in life is to save Mother Earth from anything and everything that causes pollution, and abuses nature.
These ideas complement Nitin Gadkari’s suggestion of imposing CNG, and if deployed, can change the state of Delhi within a few days.
Let’s explore them..
Idea #1 Stop GM Seeds
Although GM seeds are not allowed in India, except cotton, farmers are using them, and indirectly, contributing to Delhi’s pollution. But how?
GM Seeds, or genetically modified seeds, have different planting and harvesting time, compared to normal seeds.
Since the harvesting time is late for the crops produced by GM seeds, they burn the Paddy Stubble (Parali) during November-December, and release heavy amounts of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), along with Carbon Monoxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other harmful content.
And, during the harvesting season, northwest winds carry smoke and pollutants from burning fields in Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Along with vehicle pollution, and industries, and construction activities, the pollution levels intensify, making Delhi a gas chamber.
If we somehow convince the farmers not to use GM seeds, then 50-60% pollution can be reduced in Delhi.
Idea #2 Plants and Trees, everywhere
Plants and trees are the savior for us. Vishal says that we should plant greenery everywhere. Literally, everywhere.
Be it homes, offices, malls, vehicles, and more. Every terrace should have plants deployed, and every space available should be used for planting and greenery.
And this idea, although sounds impossible, is quite possible.
A couple, Peter Singh and Neeno Kaur have 15,000 plants in and around their home.
And this has enabled them to breathe air that has 15 AQI.. In Delhi, the AQI hovers around 250-350 right now.
With plants, they have literally killed the pollution and inspired us to live a life without harmful air in our lungs.
If a normal couple can do this, why not everyone in Delhi? Place plants everywhere, and then see the results. We are talking about an eco-conscious, sustainable life style, without any pollution.
Idea #3 Say No To Plastics!
The fact is that Delhi produces a whooping 700 tonnes of plastics every day, and only 60% of this is recycled.
And the rest?
Delhi’s pollution is spreading through the open burning of discarded plastics, which affects air quality, and improper disposal, which contaminates landfills and waterways. This releases toxic chemicals and microplastics into the environment. With high per capita plastic waste generation, Delhi's pollution problems are intensified by inadequate waste management.
To make his humble contribution to stopping plastic pollution, Vishal has launched his second startup, Ukhi, which produces biomaterials that can replace plastic. This biomaterial is made using agri-waste, and products made by this biomaterial can be decomposed in 30 minutes.
Buoyed by his vision, and mission, Ukhi has already secured seed funding and is aggressively moving forward to produce high-quality biomaterials that can replace plastic, across all industries and sectors.
Since sustainable development and biomaterials-based innovations are Vishal’s mission and purpose, he has shared these three powerful ideas to stop Delhi’s pollution, and to trigger a sustainable, nature-friendly way of living.
As per the global PM2.5 particle ranking of cities, Delhi is ranked among the top 3 polluted cities in the world.
Let’s take concrete, sustainable, and eco-friendly steps to pull out Delhi from this mess.
You, we, and everyone in Delhi deserve better.
To find out more about Ukhi and how we are trying to protect Mother Earth from plastic pollution, please visit us here.
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