Concerned news reporters belonging to various television channels were highlighting about the harmful effects of Deepavali on the environment.  These news channels were also critical of people who were going ahead with celebrations even after 11 pm which according to them is a  clear violation of Supreme Court directives.

While I appreciate the news channels for their concern towards the people which was caused due to celebration of a festival which occurs once in a year, I wish to bring to the notice of these channels the pollution levels prevalent in the heart of Bangalore City, which is of utmost concern to all residents of Bangalore.

Mud:- Once we leave our homes we are welcomed with mud flying around everywhere.  This is due to the fact that roads are being cut in connection with Bangalore Metro Rail line work and that is generating lot of mud.  While road cutting and generation of mud is unavoidable, the mud is not cleaned even in areas where work has been completed.  Once a person stands in bus stop waiting for a bus he has to inhale mud till the bus arrives.  This certainly is not good for anybody's health.

Heaps  of thick  waterish mud: About 50% of  most  roads in Bangalore are covered by heaps of thick accumulated waterish mud. If a person has to walk, he has to walk on top of heaps of mud.  That is the inconvenience caused to the general public.

Heaps of Garbage:- If one has to go out of station, then that person has to catch a bus from Kalasipalayam or Majestic which is the terminus for outstation buses.  Kalasipalayam Bus Stop is full of heaps of garbage and litter.  A person has to tolerate this pollution till the bus arrives.  Even after getting into the bus, the person has to inhale contaminated air till the bus starts.  This is the situation in most bus stations meant for outstation buses in India.

Food Outlets:- These days there are many food outlets on the road which give quality food.  These food are fresh, hot, tasty and above all economical.  The tragedy however is that these outlets exist in contaminated areas.  Not that the owners of these outlets prefer to prepare their food in contaminated areas.  They fact is that they do not have a choice as all areas are similar.  People who have an option of taking fresh food, are deprived of this as they cannot take chances with their health.

Noise Pollution:- There are far too many 4 wheels in Bangalore, compared to any other place in India.  This has created traficc congestion in Bangalore especially during peak hours.  While there is not a inch of space of place for a vehicle to move, these vehicle drivers are seen continously pressing the horn.  This is creating a deafening side.  It is very irritating to the ears if you are walking from there or are seated in one of the vehicles.

While the pollution levels generated on account of celebration of Deepavali, is once in a year, the pollution levels on account of the above mentioned  issues are daily issues and therefore more harmful to the health of people.  Bangalore is considered to be one of the best cities in the world, on par with Tokyo, Sydney and New York.  If the pollution levels are so high in Bangalore, one can imagine the pollution levels in rest of India, especially smaller towns.  It is high time that these news channels focus on more serious issues.

Regards

Satish