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Forest fire and air pollution
The state of Assam, known for its lush greenery and rich biodiversity, is now battling incidents of massive forest fires and an invisible yet formidable air pollution. While rising temperature on account of climate change impact and prolonged dry spells increases forest fire risk and vulnerability, rapid urbanization, construction activities and vehicular emissions have painted a grim picture of the city's air quality. Cement dust pollution has emerged as a significant health hazard, leading to chronic respiratory illness, allergies, asthma and bronchitis among the city dwellers. The editorial, 'Community-based forest fire management,' published in your esteemed daily on March 20, has said that the expansion of human settlement closer to forest areas has increased the vulnerability of forest fires, which have engulfed adjacent dwelling houses, public buildings, etc., in the state. There is a need to focus on planning, building capacity and adding to the inventory of firefighting equipment to ensure that prevention and detection of forest fires remain top priorities. The availability of water sources nearer to the forest fire spots is a strategic advantage for aerial firefighting. Again, Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, is experiencing deteriorating air quality due to severe degradation of air quality in Byrnihat, Guwahati, and other industrial hubs, placing Assam at the centre of a growing environmental crisis. The city is choking on dust and smoke today due to rampant garbage burning, including plastic and polythene waste, which have further compounded the city's air quality woes. So far as forest fire conservation issues are concerned, there is a need for the broader role of communities, sharing of traditional knowledge for forest and nature conservation and departmental scientific measures, which will go a long way in addressing challenges of forest cover loss while reducing vulnerability and improving better response to outbreaks of forest fires. We cannot deny the importance of interstate coordination to improve forest fire management in the state. At the same time, we need citizens' awareness campaigns, combined with robust policy intervention to improve waste management, promote green energy alternatives and strict industrial audits, apart from collaborative, sincere efforts between Assam and Meghalaya through research-driven sustainable solutions to counter the mounting pollution crisis. The removal of the smog veil over the city and the state is the urgent need to provide a healthier life for future generations.
Iqbal Saikia,
Guwahati.
Moon water
There could be more water on the Moon than we thought. Water ice sheets are reportedly present outside the polar regions of the earth's natural satellite, whereas hitherto the general impression was that water was confined to within the polar area. This information has been supplied by the Indian lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, and analysed by the research team in Ahmedabad. Earlier, it was in 2009 that Chandrayaan-1 clearly indicated the presence of water molecules in the polar regions of the moon. These two landmark spacecraft of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have expanded the overall knowledge on lunar ice deposits.
If water is present beyond polar regions, lunar explorers can traverse further than being confined to the polar areas and utilise the frozen ice resources for oxygen as well. It's good news for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that is eyeing the south pole of the moon. Even otherwise, extraction of water from ice portends well for future moon explorers. ISRO also aims to search for more water ice for the benefit of all. Splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen for multiple scientific purposes could be one such benefit. These developments in the space should augur well for India's space capabilities. Besides, an ocean of knowledge beckons space students and scientists who are keen to make a mark in the sector. Industries and universities too stand to immensely gain from information sent by the spacecraft.
Dr Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)
Nature's tiny messengers
The theme for this year's World Sparrow Day, celebrated on March 20, is 'A Tribute to Nature's Tiny Messengers', and as we celebrate, let us give a clarion call to raise awareness about the decline in sparrow populations due to environmental degradation and other factors which, if not addressed now, can have these tiny friendly creatures of man and nature get enlisted in the 'extinct creatures list'.
Though environmentalists and bird lovers do take measures to conserve, preserve and protect these agile, lively little birds, there is a steep decline in their population, especially in urban regions. These tiny birds enjoy living alongside human settlements, but in recent years, various factors such as rapid urbanisation, lack of green spaces, the use of chemical compounds in seeds and grains, and environmental changes and noise and sound pollution have resulted in sparrows disappearing at an alarming rate. Though conservation efforts are being done by nature lovers and other agencies, a joint effort by the public is also a must in order to protect and preserve these birds. The theme no doubt aims to restore human affection for sparrows, inspiring and encouraging them to protect nature's little companions.
Awareness campaigns and events and encouraging and including the younger generation to be very much a part of this can enhance protection measures of these birds. Let us be aware that sparrows are vital for the ecosystem, and their absence would lead to disturbance of ecosystems, which affects various plant and wildlife species.
Pradyu Mukund
(pradyumukund22@gmail.com)
A step towards safer travel
I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing construction work in some places of Guwahati, which is causing major problems for the people of the city. The slow pace of construction and the road equipment left on the streets are making travel difficult and unsafe. Many people, including the elderly who have to work for their livelihood, do not feel safe riding or driving, especially at night. Additionally, potholes and damaged pavements are making roads dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Visually impaired individuals face even greater challenges. They cannot move freely because of the unsafe conditions caused by construction. I urge the government to take immediate action. There should be proper management of construction materials, and authorities must ensure that street lighting is improved, especially around construction zones, to enhance night-time visibility. I hope this issue is taken seriously, and necessary steps are taken for the safety of all residents.
Darshana Das
(darshanadas2907@gmail.com)