Price of progress

What residents of Delhi are currently grappling is also an indication of the same problem that people in many cities across India are either facing or will eventually face. Delhi’s residents are grappling with a severe public health crisis as air pollution levels reach hazardous thresholds. This dire situation underscores the worsening air quality, marked by high concentrations of toxic pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides. Not far behind are premier towns of Nagaland- Dimapur and Kohima. Data from ongoing air quality monitoring in these two cities paint a worrying picture. Dimapur and Kohima, have been flagged as a non-attainment cities for air pollution by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This means their air quality consistently exceeds national safety standards. Both Dimapur and Kohima face similar dire situations. The Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) has sounded the alarm over escalating pollution levels in these urban centres , citing unregulated vehicular emissions, unchecked construction activities, and poor road conditions as key contributors. Dimapur, where monitoring has been conducted for over a decade, has consistently reported pollution levels above the permissible limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter. In 2023, pollution levels in Dimapur reached a troubling 98 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding safe thresholds and signalling a public health emergency. This persistent pollution crisis is taking a toll on residents’ health, with rising cases of respiratory illnesses being directly linked to poor air quality. The NPCB’s findings underscore the urgent need for intervention to address the root causes of pollution and mitigate its impact on public health. The degradation of air quality in these cities stems from a combination of factors such as: a growing number of vehicles on the roads, coupled with insufficient regulation, has led to a significant increase in harmful emissions; uncontrolled construction projects generate large amounts of dust and particulate matter, contributing heavily to air pollution; badly maintained roads exacerbate dust pollution and worsen the situation. The convergence of these factors has pushed pollution levels in Dimapur and Kohima beyond acceptable limits, posing a serious threat to the environment and public health. In order to address the threat arising out of air pollution in Dimapur and Kohima requires a multi-pronged approach is needed. There is need to implement stricter emission norms, promoting electric vehicles, and improving public transportation infrastructure can reduce vehicular pollution. Enforcing dust control measures, such as using water sprays and protective barriers at construction sites, is critical. Repairing and maintaining roads to reduce dust emissions is essential. And expanding air quality monitoring networks and conducting public awareness campaigns can mobilize collective action to combat pollution. The worsening air quality in Dimapur and Kohima is a stark reminder of the pressing need for environmental accountability and action. The alarming data from NPCB highlights the urgency of tackling this crisis before it spirals further out of control. A cleaner, healthier future for these cities depends on coordinated efforts from government bodies, local communities, and individuals. Addressing this issue is not just an environmental imperative but also a moral one-ensuring the well-being of current and future generations in Nagaland. While stringent laws are essential to curb emissions, addressing the root causes of pollution demands more comprehensive measures. Reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and machinery is imperative. This could involve transitioning to cleaner technologies and adopting alternatives like solar or electric-powered transportation systems.