During his visit to the “Billboard That Breathes” installation by Waatavaran, at Kharghar, MLA Prashant Thakur called for ownership of responsibilities by all stakeholders in the region to tackle growing pollution in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt
Kharghar/Navi Mumbai/PCMC: MLA Prashant Thakur recently visited the unique giant lungs installation – “Billboard That Breathes” by Waatavaran, at sector 7 in Kharghar, on Monday, 18 January, 2021, and was all praises for the creative effort of the environmental organisation at engaging with the local residents, and making them aware of the pollution crisis in the region.
“The “CleanAirForAll” campaign signifies the need for pollution free air for the people of the city and the need of the hour. It emphasises on the basic need and right of the people to breathe clean air and stay healthy. I would like to appreciate the genuine efforts of Waatavaran and all involved, for taking a stand against the ongoing pollution in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt. They have been taking constructive steps by engaging with the local community and adopting practical methods to measure the impact of air pollution on the daily lives of the people in the area,” Thakur said
The #CleanAirForAll campaign signifies the need for pollution free air for the people of the city and the need of the hour. It emphasises on the basic need and right of the people to breathe clean air and stay healthy
MLA Prashant Thakur
Watch MLA Prashant Thakur speak on the role of all stakeholders in tackling the pollution in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel belt
Talking on the concept of the billboard installation at Kharghar, Thakur said that it was a unique concept and tool and would help local residents keep a tab on the level of pollution in the area.
“The Billboard That Breathes is a unique instsllation and has a dual purpose. One being the replication of the breathing process of the human lungs and the impact of polluted air on them, and two, the inbuilt real time Air Quality Index indicator (AQI) that aids in monitoring the quantity of particulate matter in the air,” he said.
Also Read: Kharghar’s “Billboard That Breathes” turning grey and black, two weeks before expected
However, he was also concerned by the current readings of the AQI at Kharghar.
“The AQI indicator showed a reading around 200 during the morning as compared to the good AQI mark of 50. That is more than four times than what is considered as normal readings and hence we all need to take this matter seriously,” Thakur expressed his concern.
He further spoke on the responsibility of the residents towards the cause.
“Any pollution is bad pollution, no matter how small the amount. There has to be a willing acceptance of our roles as residents, in the well-being of the community. We need to minimise our contribution to air pollution, be it through vehicular emissions or any other polluting activities that we carry out on a regular basis,” Thakur said.
Also Read: Walk and Cycle for short distances: PCMC Mayor Dr. Kavita Choutmol urges local residents
Any pollution is bad pollution, no matter how small the amount. There has to be a willing acceptance of our roles as residents, in the well-being of the community
MLA Prashant Thakur
Thakur commented on the role of industries in the region, Taloja MIDC for one, and their obligation towards the society.
“Similarly, the industries located in and around the region, especially at Taloja MIDC, should own up to their responsibilities and work towards the betterment of the air quality in the area. They need to cut down on the emissions at the base itself, as a general obligation towards the society. It is about time they acted in the general interest of the people or face the consequences, which will definitely follow,” he said.
The role of the administration and the government was also one of the topics that Thakur spoke on.
“The Panvel Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) need to take responsibility and command over the pollution situation and work together with all stakeholders to ensure that the residents of Kharghar, Taloja and Panvel get to live in a clean and green environment, devoid of pollution and diseases caused by polluted air,” Thakur concluded.
Last Updated on January 19, 2021 by lp@admin
