One of the biggest contributors to air pollution is stubble/garbage burning. Here’s what I propose we can do about it:
1) Set up a monitoring system: Ward mukadam & nagarsevaks should monitor garbage burning. (Share contact number of patrolling officer so that citizens can inform them for areas not close to main road)
2) Install cameras in strategic places to nab the culprit and send hefty fine to them with 1-week notice or block his mobile number. (This info can be shared with the local police to nab the offender & charge the fine.)
3) Most societies in Pune collect their garbage but their collection, segregation and dumping is not disciplined. Therefore put a hefty fine on them too. Even if they deviate for a single time. Most of the time, the mukadam dump the garbage on highways a few kilometers away and set it on fire.
4) Let our firecracker companies meet international standards (not Indian) and get tested in International labs (not Indian). Their selling and distribution must be under government controlled/approved centres. No illegal fire cracker making/selling/distribution should be allowed. Increase awareness in people about such products.
5) Executing bodies should be held accountable if the implementation fails.
(This article was sent to Fit by Mangesh Purekar from Pune, as we attempt to find solutions for pollution.)
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