A symposium on air pollution in Kozhikode on Friday demanded the State government set up ambient air quality monitors in highly polluted areas in Kerala and ensure that the readings were displayed in such a way that even a commoner could understand it.
The symposium was organised with an aim to bring to focus the increasing levels of air pollution in Kerala. “Our studies show that silicosis and skin cancer are on the rise among city dwellers even in Kerala. Autorickshaw drivers and traffic policemen are the worst affected,” said T.V. Rajan, general convenor of the programme. The instances of silicosis in the hilly regions are high due to the presence of granite quarries.
Auto drivers
“There are many autorickshaw drivers who drop out of their jobs in their fifties due to silicosis. Some even become bedridden,” he said. This is because autorickshaw drivers are forced to breathe in the smoke emitted by bigger vehicles. “There should be a health insurance scheme for them. Besides the cabins should be closed,” he added.
The symposium opened by historian M.G.S. Narayanan witnessed several technical sessions on the topic. George K. Varghese from the National Institute of Technology, Calicut spoke on the air quality and the pollution level in Delhi and the precautions Kerala should take to prevent such a situation.
P. Shaiju from the Cochin University of Science and Technology spoke on health issues caused by air pollution.
A core committee of students from various colleges in the district was formed at the symposium with an aim to create awareness among the public regarding the gravity of the situation.
