I feel that it’s a very lazy thing to blame the government on air pollution: Dia Mirza

NAIROBI

: Actor-activist Dia Mirza was recently appointed UN Environment’s Goodwill Ambassador for India. The 35-year-old actor has been recognised by the United Nations for her contribution to environment conservation. Dia hosted the UN Environment Champions of the year gala dinner on Tuesday evening. She spoke on how India can tackle the problem of pollution.
Q As a goodwill ambassador tell us, what has been your role?
It has been an extraordinary opportunity to be present here at the environment assembly. My debut job for the United Nations was hosting the champions of the year and the young champions. I really hope that my commitment and passion to make a change at the ground level in India, continuously motivated and inspired by these extraordinary people and the achievements to what they are doing. I feel that even on days when I’m feeling extremely despondent, when I turn to people who are doing extraordinary things on the ground, it keeps me going. That’s the best thing being a

UN Goodwill

ambassador the fact that I have access to some of the greatest and innovative minds on the planet and awareness which will widen my horizon of problems and help solve them.

Q What do you have to say about the smog in Delhi, recently a cricket match between India and Sri Lanka got interrupted because of the high levels of pollution?
The fact is that air pollution has been visible for the last five to six years. The understanding and awareness as to how it’s impacting human life is only increased in the last two years. This year was a turning point, for the first time the national health director came forward and called it a national health emergency. This happened because mothers and citizens groups got together and said listen, ‘as the health director of this country you need to call and say what it is’. What is really unfortunate, despite the knowledge and the access that we do now have the information that there is a hazardous air level but in many cities in northern parts of India, we continue to allow public exposure to this. Of course, we can’t control the exposure, the people who are living in streets will have to breathe this air. But there are things we can control, which is playing sport. Have marathons, allowing public rallies, exposing a large number of people to this hazardous air.

Q Do you feel that the government was not able to curtail the air pollution?
No, I feel that it’s a very lazy thing to blame the government on air pollution. The schools needed to be closed. Whenever the air quality index crosses 300, it is incumbent upon to us close schools. I was in Amritsar three days ago and the air particle level crossed 300 which is not good. This is the something that media and public need to demand air quality solution. We have to find ways to implement lifestyle changes. We all can make a difference. The government will be compelled to make a difference when the see the private and public participation and commitment. Unfortunately, the politics of most parts of the world and it is not limited to India, is so focused on the idea of development that needs to be redefined. We need to understand that a sick worker, an unhealthy workforce cannot contribute towards a rising GDP.

Q What are some of the environmental issues facing India that need to be addressed?
The most critical issue which not only India but many other developing countries are facing is air pollution. There are systemic measures that can be placed which can mitigate air pollution, and this is a problem we can fix. It needs a very strong public will and a political one. We need to address and ensure that waste management systems are implemented. We have to learn to segregate our waste, manage our e-waste better. We have to reduce our plastic consumption. Every time we see someone burning trash, we need to stop them. There are many issues India has, it may be a grave reality but the fact is that we can convert adversity into advantage. There are solutions which are accessible to us.

Q As a person how have you contributed towards an eco-friendly environment?
The basic things which you can do in your life can go a big distance. I have replaced large amounts of plastic from my life. My toothbrush is a bamboo one, I have stopped using plastic packaged water, I carry metal water from home. I ensure, the vehicles I go on have the highest emissions standards. I would love to use an electric car. I wish the government of India will reduce the taxes on sustainable alternatives. I have switched from using normal sanitary napkins to bio degradable ones.

Q Can the world ever be free from pollution?
Absolutely, it can be. I think this decade is very critical for human progress. There are more countries than ever before who are accepting and willing to beat pollution. Many of the urbanisation tools or urban living choices have been detrimental and harmful. Not just to the environment but to our own human life. Human beings love the idea of not just surviving but they want to outlast many things. It is our intrinsic urge to survive that will ensure we beat pollution collectively.