World Environment Day: Some actions and revelations

WHO says Delhi has the highest level of air pollution in the world

On June 5 every year, the world celebrates environment day to spread awareness about pollution and to take actions to save Mother Earth. It is run by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The theme for this year, is ‘Seven Billion Dreams; One Planet; Consume with Care’. 

To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday planted ‘Kadamb’ saplings and started a nationwide tree plantation campaign. He urged every family in the country to plant trees in the coming monsoon season. Also, according to All India News, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the central government was planning a legislation to ban dumping or throwing garbage at public places.

This environment day might have, however, been the day of revelation India dreaded. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that New Delhi had the highest level of air pollution in the world. It was no wonder then that India had the four most polluted cities of the world. Among the top 25 polluted cities, 13 are from India. The Ganga and Yamuna are among the top 10 most polluted rivers globally.

The government’s flagship project, Ganga Rejuvenation Mission, seems to be stuck where it started, while the Yamuna appears all but forgotten