Pollution: The House of Death

 

Pollution: The House of Death

Air pollution is one of the leading causes of lung diseases worldwide, often resulting in chronic coughing, which in turn facilitates the spread of various illnesses. In India, particularly in Delhi, the air quality deteriorates significantly during this time of the year. One of the major contributors to this seasonal decline is the burning of crop stubble by farmers. According to data from the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, this year saw a stark variation in the practice across different states. Stubble burning increased by 70% in Uttar Pradesh, 23% in Haryana, while in Punjab it decreased by 27%. This disparity highlights the crucial role government policies and leadership play in addressing environmental issues.

Despite these facts, misinformation continues to spread, particularly among certain political factions. For instance, a recent social media post by a BJP supporter encouraged people to burn as many firecrackers as they wished, dismissing concerns about air quality as a "hoax." This reflects a broader trend within some political circles that downplays or outright denies the significance of environmental issues, often appealing to a base of low-information voters who may prioritize religious beliefs over scientific evidence.

It is a well-documented phenomenon that some segments of BJP supporters hold strong religious convictions, regularly engaging in temple worship. Unfortunately, this group often fails to acknowledge issues such as environmental degradation, focusing instead on religious narratives. In extreme cases, they even ignore or dismiss crimes, such as sexual misconduct by religious figures, viewing such offenses as divine acts rather than criminal behavior. This troubling mindset can be traced back to historical precedents. In 1852, a British court heard a case involving a priest who routinely exploited young girls, willingly sent to him by their families. At the time, many in the community opposed the brave individual who sought justice, illustrating how deeply entrenched certain beliefs have been in society.

Fast forward to today, and this mentality still persists within some factions, as evidenced by the BJP’s ongoing support for controversial figures such as Ram Rahim, Asaram, and Swami Premanand. This persistence of regressive thinking can be seen as a form of mental pollution, one that distracts from critical issues like environmental degradation. For those who propagate such ideas, diverting attention to environmental pollution is merely a tactic to shift focus away from other societal problems.

The data on the health impacts of pollution are staggering. Globally, air pollution reduces average life expectancy by 2.2 years. However, in India, this figure rises to a staggering 5.3 years, indicating the severity of the issue in the country. Yet, many of those who downplay pollution’s effects likely remain unaware of these statistics, too preoccupied with misguided beliefs such as consuming cow urine for health benefits. Instead of addressing real-world problems like pollution, they focus on ridiculing those who are actively working towards cleaning and improving the country.

Ignoring the serious threat posed by pollution, and dismissing the efforts of those striving to combat it, keeps communities stuck in a cycle of regression. It’s a stark reminder that misinformation, both about public health and the environment, can be just as toxic as the pollution itself. In India, the historical and cultural forces that shaped this mindset must be addressed if any real progress is to be made in tackling the environmental challenges facing the nation.