Experts for solutions to check rising air pollution in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 1 : Alarmed over rising air pollution in south Indian cities, especially in Bengaluru, environment experts have called for greater awareness and solutions to check the menace, particularly indoors.
"There is a need to create awareness and find solutions to ensure air quality, especially indoors, is free from toxic elements for a healthy life for all," said Indian Pollution Control Association Deputy Director Radha Goyal in a statement here on Saturday.
Experts from diverse fields who discussed Bengaluru's toxic air at a conference on "Air Quality - Air-O-Thon here on Friday, said clean and healthy air was critical to reduce the hazardous impact of polluted air.
It is not only outdoors, but also indoors where the quality of air has to be pure and fresh to prevent ill-effects of pollutants, they said.
"Besides metros, even cities and towns across the country are getting choked with high levels of air pollutants outdoors and indoors, especially with the particulate matter. All stakeholders have to be involved in tackling the menace on a war-footing," said Goyal on the occasion.
Organsied by Prospur Events & Promotions Ltd and the Indian Pollution Control Association, the conference called for polices with regulations and measures for greater compliance by the stakeholders.
"Indoor air quality has to be monitored and regulated to make the air breathable, We need a stakeholder-driven policy with the industry participation for fresh air," said another expert.
Asian Paints Vice-President for Research and Technology Raja Krishnamurthy said better living environment with innovation was at the heart of the company's offerings.
"Indoor air pollution is a health hazard few people talk about, believing that pollution is restricted to the outdoors. we intend to build awareness about the paint as a solution to combat a key indoor air pollutant - formaldehyde and its unsafe effects on our health," said Krishnamurthy.
Vprospurs Chairman Pradeep Maithani said poor air quality in the cities is a major challenge for the country.
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Sambhal violence: Protesters to pay for damage to property, posters of 'stone pelters' to be put up
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government will make protesters involved in the Sambhal violence pay for damage to public property while posters of "stone pelters" will be displayed at public places, an official said on Wednesday.
Four people died and scores, including police personnel, were injured in Sambhal on Sunday after a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered survey of the city's Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi area, following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site.
"The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest," an official spokesperson said.
In a similar initiative, the government had previously put up posters of individuals linked to vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. These posters were displayed across several locations, including the state capital, but were later removed following a court order.
The violence in Sambhal erupted on Sunday when a large crowd gathered near a mosque and began chanting slogans as a survey team resumed its work. The situation escalated when the protesters clashed with security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and pelted stones.
So far, police have arrested 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbal, son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.
A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured that "strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest."
