People can bring real change in air, not smog towers

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. File pic/AFP

The recently installed smog tower in Delhi, designed to cut pollution, has evinced a gamut of reactions. There are those for and against, a debate is always healthy, there are yet others seeking to politicise the anti-pollution tech aid by saying that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Minister A Kejriwal cannot claim credit for installing the ‘first' smog tower. While the political games go on, we are also hearing that if the smog tower proves efficacious, there are plans to install more such towers in the national capital and maybe states can start looking at it.

While the back ‘n' forth goes on, few things should remain constant - the awareness about working to counter climate change, the environment is not just for fashion but for our future and becoming a green warrior in your own small way must go ahead.

Meanwhile, smog towers can be an aid, they cannot replace concerted efforts on the ground to cut pollution. From carpooling (in Covid times, though, this may be avoided as one should not have too many people in a car) to an emphasis on public transport, once again in different times, must be stressed as this is one way to cut pollution. For short distances, keep your car at home and walk wisdom must rule.

Within the same ambit, more trees for oxygen and a general sense of well-being must encourage plantation and saving greens when possible. This movement has warriors and its proponents but the base must be wider so that we see a much more robust effort in this direction.

Cutting harmful plastics, cleaning beaches, and proper handling of waste should continue to be emphasised with words translated to solid action. Machines can help us in our fight against all kinds of pollution and climate battles, the real change though has to come from on-the-ground efforts of we, the people.