On world environment day, citizens suggest sustainable ways to reduce pollution

5 June, 2017, New Delhi: On the occasion of World Environment Day, citizen engagement platform LocalCircles released a study based on citizen feedback outlining what key steps should be taken to reduce pollution in Indian cities.

One of the major reasons for increase in pollution in North India is the burning of the stalk of crops in rural areas in the North. This is done to prepare fields for planting seeds for the next crop. Farmers have been saying that the cost of seeding equipment is very high and is unaffordable. New generation seeding equipment allows plantation of seeds to be done without resorting to burning or removing stalks of the earlier crops. Some states do provide subsidy for the new generation seeding equipment but it is inadequate.

82% citizens want government to subsidize seeding equipment for farmers

In the first poll which received more than 24,000 responses, 82% of the citizens say that a more extensive subsidy program need to be put together by central and state government to bring down the cost. Only 11% citizens voted against this and 7% were unsure. Citizens also recommend that such equipment can be provided on rental and the cost for the farmers could be brought down.

Construction also creates fine dust that causes smog and adds to the pollution in cities. In the second poll, citizens were divided on whether construction during winters should be banned. 44% said it should be banned while 46% say it should not be, clearly showing that the population is divided on this front. 25,284 votes were polled on this question. However, one solution according to citizens could be mandatory rules to be followed during construction including covering the area under construction adequately.

44% citizens want ban on construction during winter months

On the issue of burning of garbage 91% citizens said that municipal corporations should completely discourage it, with only 7% voting against it. This poll received 21,975 votes. Garbage Burning is quite common in North India during winter months as many of the municipal workers and garbage pickers themselves and the poor burn garbage to stay warm. A communication and and training effort will have to be put in place in the next few months, such that this practice ends.

91% citizens want municipal leadership to ensure zero garbage burning

In 2016, it was a scary 1st week of November as the pollution levels in North Indian cities became dangerously high and many emergency measures were taken by the state government to ensure normalcy. LocalCircles is submitting this report to the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Urban Development and other stakeholders such that actions can be initiated on World Environment Day and the positive impact is seen in Winter 2017.