| The pollution increased, but the budget decreased | | | Dr. Vijay Garg
In today’s times pollution is no longer just an environmental problem, it has become a serious crisis connected with health, economy and future.Toxic particles in the air,chemical filth in water and plastic in soilAll these combined are reducing the quality of life.But sadly when pollution levels are rising, budget allocated to prevent this seems to be decreasing.
The number of vehicles in cities is growing rapidly.Factory smoke, dust from construction works and the practice of open burning waste are poisoning the air.Even in villages water and soil are being polluted by overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.In this case governments are expected to have greater attention and bigger budget for environmental protection.
But if the funding of environmental departments is reduced, monitoring systems are weakened.The number of pollution measuring stations remains small, cleanup campaigns remain incomplete and awareness programs do not receive sufficient support.The result is that even though laws exist they cannot be followed in a proper manner.
Pollution not only adversely affects nature, but also human health.Respiratory diseases, heart disease and skin problems are on the rise.Expenses at treatment go up, increasing economic burden as well.If budget for environmental protection is reduced, expenditure in the health sector could multiply over a long period of time.
The solution to this problem is possible not only with government budget, but also with shared responsibility.Government should provide adequate funds for environmental conservation, strictly monitor and give incentives to green technology.At the same time, citizens must fulfill their responsibility© such as reducing plastic use, planting plants and using public utilities.
Finally, pollution increased, but budget decreases are a worrying reality.If we do not invest in the environment today, it will cost us many times more in the future.Clean air, clean water and healthy land is not only our right, but also our responsibility.
Dr. Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout Punjab |
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