Vehicle emission top-of-mind hazard for most Kolkatans

KOLKATA: An overwhelming majority of people in Kolkata and other parts of Bengal feel air pollution is the biggest health hazard, with 94% of the 2,450 respondents considering vehicular emission as the main source. The perception survey report released on Thursday on the eve of World Health Day showed a heightened awareness among the youth about air pollution and its impact on health.
Among the respondents to the survey by SwitchON Foundation in 2022, 920 were from Kolkata. Almost 80% of them and 72% from the rest of the state said air pollution was a threat to human health. While 94% Kolkata respondents felt vehicular emission was the main reason, followed by industrial units and waste burning, 25% listed road dust as a major contributor.
In 2022, 34,000 cars were registered in Kolkata, flagging fear of more pollution. Engines have become more frugal and tail pipe emission more stringent, but activists feel the rise in private vehicles will worsen pollution. " People's response to preventive measures depend on their perception of environment stimuli. To save public health, it's important to consider people's behavioural change," said Vinay Jaju of SwitchON.
The respondents suggested cycling, walking, carpooling and shifting to electric vehicles as measures to control air pollution. They also want the government to create walking zones and cycling paths. Pointing out people violating pollution norms should be fined, residents stressed the need to create awareness on cleaning the environment.
In another study, 68% of 225 auto drivers said they were ready to shift to EVs, as their health was being affected from breathing polluted air.