LAGATAR24 NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 1: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation in collaboration with ASAR on Wednesday held a conference “Health Matters: Air Pollution and its Impacts” amid health experts, ward councillors, research, academia, and civil society discussed and deliberated the link between deteriorating public health in the state and air pollution.
Mayor Dr Asha Lakra stressed that air pollution is not a city or state issue, but a national cause. “Hence, it needs a strategic collective approach to look for its effective solutions. Being said that, the role of society and individual endeavour cannot be undermined,” she added
The mayor further stressed that it is important to raise awareness amongst the people on this issue, bring more stakeholders like industrialists and businessmen on board and collectively work towards it.
A panel of eminent experts discussed solution-oriented approaches to reduce the impact of air pollution on human health such as the issuance of health advisories, health sector preparedness, localized emission inventory, and air quality forecasting among various other solutions.
Addressing the conference, Shashi Ranjan, Municipal Commissioner of Ranchi Municipal Corporation said, “The Corporation has already prioritized reducing air pollution as an important public issue and we are taking a proactive approach in adopting innovative cleaner solutions. We are promoting public awareness to bring the support to the forefront. The deliberations held today are expected to set a new direction for the Corporation’s efforts to reduce the health effects of air pollution too.”
Dr Gufran Beig, Founder and Director, the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) programme at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology under the Ministry of Earth Sciences said, “It is high time that we should have air quality forecasting system for planning interventions and issuing health advisory for risk reduction and preventive measures.”
Speaking at the conference, Manjeet Singh Saluja, Technical Officer, World Health Organisation (WHO)-India said, “Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks to health and it requires a concerted effort among all stakeholders where the role of health care professionals is important. Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the drivers of air pollution are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions. A resilient health system that protects the health effects caused by air pollution, especially those who are vulnerable, needs to be prioritised.”
The notable speakers in the convening included Jyoti Singh, Assistant Municipal Commissioner; Dr Shambhu Prasad, President-IMA, Jharkhand; Dr Mritunjay Thakur, Secretary, Jharkhand State Health Services Association; Polash Mukherjee, Lead-National Resource Defense Council; Tanushree Bhatacharya, Assistant Professor, BIT; Tanushree Ganguly, Program lead, CEEW; Dr Atri Gangopadhaya, Governor, Chest Council of India; and Dr Nitish Priyadarshi, Environmentalist among others.
The discussion focused on risk reduction and preventive measures for air pollution. It also offered a forum for discussion on the effects of air quality on health and a chance to share experiences, needs, and concerns. A more practical and participatory approach is necessary to achieve clean air with health at the forefront.
