In Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the "very poor" to "severe" category this month, with levels frequently exceeding 400 and peaking at over 999. It is like living in a gas chamber. It is a shame that the Central Govt is not taking this seriously not only for Delhi but also for numerous other polluted places in India. The Indian Govt should have declared air pollution an urgent national emergency but our leaders do not seem to be taking this as priority for action; our leaders are just blinded by religious, caste, nationalism, and “freebees” politics. In Goa, it is important for Goans/residents to note that AQI whilst is in the moderate range currently has worsened by +43% from 2020-2025. At this rate, the next 5 years should see Goa entering the poor/extremely poor range and severe in 10 years’ time! In my view, coal transportation, unchecked real estate development will be responsible for the same. With Goan Ministers “enthusiastically” destroying forests/trees/water bodies, and encouraging coal transportation/hubs, it can only get much worse for Goa unless Goans must act now to address this growing menace.
