Ans: Reducing air and water pollution is crucial for environmental and human health. Here are ways to mitigate both types of pollution:
- Reducing Air Pollution: Transition to Clean Energy: Shift from fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) to clean and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce emissions from power plants and vehicles.
- Improve Fuel Efficiency: Implement stricter fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and promote electric vehicles to reduce tailpipe emissions.
- Promote Public Transportation: Invest in efficient and eco-friendly public transportation systems to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
- Reduce Industrial Emissions: Implement regulations and emission controls on industrial facilities to limit the release of pollutants into the air.
- Plant Trees: Trees act as natural air filters and can help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants. Support afforestation and urban tree-planting initiatives.
- Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage sustainable farming practices that reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which contribute to air pollution.
Reducing Water Pollution:
- Waste Treatment: Upgrade and maintain wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that sewage and industrial effluents are properly treated before being released into water bodies.
- Reduce Runoff: Implement measures to control urban and agricultural runoff, which often carries pollutants into rivers and lakes. This includes green infrastructure like permeable pavement and vegetated swales.
- Pesticide and Fertilizer Management: Promote responsible use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture to prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Encourage proper disposal of hazardous household waste and the recycling of materials to prevent contaminants from entering the water supply.
- Reduce Industrial Discharges: Regulate industrial discharges and require companies to treat and manage wastewater properly.