National Pollution Prevention Day is observed on December 2 every year in the memory of people who died in one of the most tragic industrial accidents in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, Bhopal. This is one of the very first accidents which made us realise the value of the quality of the air we breathe in.
In a pesticide company named Union Carbide India Limited, situated in the city, a gas named Methyl Isocyanate leaked at night of 2-3 December 1984. Thousands of people died in their sleep because of the air they were breathing. The immediate death toll was 2,259 (official) which increased to 8,000 within two weeks of the disastrous night. According to Government data, 5,58,525 people were severely affected. The after-effects of the tragedy were also very severe. The effect of gas was seen in newborns for a long time.
Why is National Pollution Prevention Day observed on this day?
This tragedy made the human race realise why the quality of the air we breathe is so important. How dangerous can the presence of invisible toxic things in the air be for us? So we observe this day, in the memory of those who lost their lives and dear ones. The day is to spread awareness about air pollution, industrial pollution, pollution due to our negligence, pollution of rivers, and how to prevent this pollution.
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Importance of this day for the people of Delhi NCR
People of Delhi NCR have been facing severe pollution at this time of the year repeatedly for the last few years. The main reason behind this pollution is traffic, construction, industrial units, stubble burning, and crackers. The Delhites should use this day to make efforts in making the environment they are living in, into something better. We need to plant more trees, keep the rivers clean, try to reduce garbage and use public transport as much as possible.
Which foods to eat in such pollution?
Green vegetables have antioxidants and vitamins which will make you more defensive against such pollution.
Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Curcumin, the active agent present in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the lungs from the toxic effects of pollutants. Turmeric also contains powerful antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress, which is induced when exposed to polluted air.
Gooseberry (Amla) must be consumed, as it contains a good amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is the most powerful antioxidant for the body, which can help in cleaning the free radicals.
Jaggery (gud) Eating jaggery in winter is considered very beneficial for health. When you make black tea, use jaggery instead of sugar. Actually, the iron present in jaggery helps in maintaining the smooth supply of oxygen in the blood. Which can help save you from pollution.