Naman Parmar

Roll no :124
A Report on California Forest Fire
Firefighters continue to battle 27 major wildfires in California, as well as one extended
attack wildfire. With over 19,000 firefighters on the front lines, crews continue to gain
ground on these fires. Yesterday, firefighters responded to 25 new initial attack wildfires
across the State, all of which were quickly contained.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been well over 7,900 wildfires that have
burned over 3.6 million acres in California. Since August 15, when California’s fire
activity elevated, there have been 26 fatalities and over 6,400 structures destroyed.

Warm and dry conditions persist across much of the state. The marine layer along the
coast has finally deepened, bringing some humidity recovery to those areas.
Temperatures are expected to rise in many areas in the north and south portions of the
state towards the latter half of the week along with a chance of north winds, increasing
potential for critical fire weather.

California historically experiences some of the most devastating wildfires in the months
of September and October. Do not let your guard down! To learn more ways to prevent
sparking a wildfire visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org

A report on Delhi’s Air Pollution

The industrial and technical advancement in India leading to its development at a high pace after India’s
historical struggle for independence has come at a great environmental cost.

According to the Global Environment Performance Index (EPI) 2018, developed by Yale University and
Columbia University, India is ranked 177 among 180 countries. This rating is linked to India’s poor
performance in the public health category and the number of deaths due to air pollution, showcasing its
inability to maintain a healthy ambience. Also, India has 9 out of the 10 most populated cities of the world.

Furthermore, Delhi has been tagged as one of the most polluted capital cities of the world with an
unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) swinging mostly between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories. This quality of
air is experienced by people throughout the year, but the condition becomes worse in winters when fog
envelops the city, converting into toxic smog. Over the years, Delhi’s problem of air pollution has become
more complex. The population of Delhi is basically living in a gas chamber with lethal air quality.

A lot of factors contribute to the poor AQI in Delhi. The condition just happens to worsen during a few
months. The majority of the blame is attributed to burning of paddy straw by farmers and fire crackers during
the Diwali festival in months of October and November. However, stubble burning by the farmers in
neighbouring states is episodic and lasts for a few days only and while the Diwali festivities also contribute to
the poor Air Quality Index (AQI), they are not the sole reasons for the pollution.

Air pollution in Delhi is a complex reaction which involves various industries as catalysts, including the
transport industry, industrial emissions, biomass burning, and dust. Furthermore, political will also
adulterates the AQI.

A Report on Mithi river pollution

The Mithi river that runs 18km through Mumbai’s length was Maharashtra’s most polluted river
in 2018, containing human and animal excreta almost 15 times the safe limit.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) water quality assessment of eight major
state rivers in 2018 was published in the recent Maharashtra Economic Survey Report 2018-19.
The study found levels of faecal coliform content (indication of human and animal excreta) and
biochemical oxygen demand (oxygen levels for aquatic life to survive ) of the Mithi river were
above the safe limit.

A polluted Mithi spells trouble for Mumbai — the 2005 floods that killed more than 1,000
people in the city was caused mainly because the river was clogged. River pollution also poses
health hazards to neighbourhoods around it.

And, Mithi is not Mumbai’s only polluted river. An independent report by environment group
RiverMarch, submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation chief last week said three
other rivers — Dahisar, Poisar and Oshiwara — were also highly polluted with plastic, animal
waste and carcasses, garbage and sewage from public toilets.

Mithi is the state’s most polluted river despite efforts to rejuvenate it for almost two decades.
Last week, state environment minister Ramdas Kadam and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray
announced that the Rs 2,136.89-crore Mithi river rejuvenation project will be completed in the
next two years

A Report on Diwali’s impact on environment

Types of Pollution on Diwali

Air pollution is certainly the biggest type of pollution on Diwali. Moreover, during the festival of
Diwali, air pollution rises to dangerously high levels. Most noteworthy, there is the emission of
a great amount of smoke on Diwali. This certainly makes the air very harmful to breathe. Also,
this harmful effect of burning crackers remains for many days after Diwali. Furthermore, air
pollution is also quite harmful to various animals and birds.

Land pollution is another significant type of pollution during Diwali. This certainly results from
the leftover pieces of the burnt crackers. Furthermore, it can take many weeks to clean these.
Most noteworthy, these pieces are non-biodegradable in nature. Hence, they cannot be
disposed of so easily. Also, they turn toxic gradually with time.

Noise pollution is a major problem during Diwali. Firecrackers cause a tremendous amount of
noise pollution. Most noteworthy, this noise pollution is pretty damaging to hearing. Also, noise
pollution is a major problem for animals, old people, students, and sick people.
How to Prevent Pollution During Diwali?

First of all, people must strictly avoid burning firecrackers. Maximum pollution during Diwali
occurs due to the burning of firecrackers. Furthermore, there is a release of toxins during the
burning of firecrackers. This certainly makes it hard for people to breathe.  Moreover, loud
noises from firecrackers give anxiety attacks to many people and animals. Therefore, people
must use eco-friendly crackers. These eco-friendly crackers produce a low amount of noise.
Nevertheless, avoiding the use of firecrackers is the best solution.

Diwali is the festival of lights. To celebrate Diwali without lights is unthinkable. Furthermore,
many people make use of electricity for lightening purposes. However, one must use diyas over
electricity. Most noteworthy, the diyas or earthen lamps are bio-degradable in nature.

Cleaning up is an essential way of preventing pollution. The festival of Diwali ends up with a lot
of garbage. After Diwali, the roads are filled with plastic, paper, chemicals, and other types of
garbage. Hence, each individual must take the initiative to clean the streets and surroundings
after Diwali. Most noteworthy, each individual must clean up his own mess.

Another efficient way of preventing pollution during Diwali is by using an air purifier. The level
of air contamination significantly increases during Diwali. Therefore, one must make sure to
keep the inside environment pollution-free. This way, people inside the house or office would
be able to breathe safe and pure air. Most noteworthy, this is achievable by using air purifiers
during Diwali.

To sum it up, Diwali is one of the happiest occasions of happiness in India. Let us not let this
beautiful festival be marred by the evil of pollution. Most noteworthy, the festival must
immediately become environmentally friendly. The government must take appropriate
measures to ensure a pollution less Diwali.

Thank You.