BENGALURU: If the mad rush to own vehicles does not stop soon in the city, the pollution levels might prove highly detrimental to the health of citizens in the near future.
And if the city actually has the estimated 1 crore vehicle by 2022, the situation will only worsen in the city which is already choking.
“The number of patients with respiratory problems is on the rise.
I have seen a rise in patients since 1992. From minor respiratory ailments to major respiratory problems, people have been suffering. We need to take some drastic steps to curb air pollution,” said Dr B V Murali Mohan, consultant pulmonologist, Narayana Hrudayalaya. “Severe bronchitis, asthma, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and pneumonia are the common problems.
Children suffer more,” he added.
Though a matter of concern, sources of indoor pollution can still be controlled by educating people. But strict laws are needed to check pollution caused by diesel fumes, diesel cars and industry pollutants.
“Pollution caused by mosquito repellants, dhoop and agarbathi can be checked, but only law can curb emissions from polluting vehicles. Banning sale and registration of BS-III vehicles is a welcome move,” said the pulmonologist, adding that the government should come up with scientific measures to check the soaring pollution levels.