On June 5, 2019 people across Goa spoke about World Environment Day giving more importance to garbage issues, pollution of the rivers, and also about the Sonsoddo Fire which created lot of air pollution. These matters, which were taken up, were important but the most serious one which many people including the authorities left out is the ill effects of wood and leaves burning which happens on a daily basis.
Many villagers in Goa are still using wood as a primary source of cooking. These people use wood as they believe their ancestors used it and they can continue using it even now, as gas cylinders are expensive. Hardly have they realised that the money that they are saving is being utilised for health problems and for doctors to treat dangerous ailments. Wood burning leads to respiratory issues, heart problems, and lung cancer.
The Vasco coal issue brought to light that higher percentage of pollution in the air was not due to coal but bio-mass. Now what is bio-mass? It is composed of plant, wood and waste used for creation of energy and it also increases carbon emissions in the atmosphere, which is equally dangerous for humans. This report could have been used to create awareness on a mass scale among people of Goa.
The concerned authorities like the Goa State Pollution Control Board, Goa Solid Waste Management and the Primary Health Centers have to seriously look into their responsibilities and work more on research related to these issues. The authorities also can rely on the landmark judgement of NGT related to Al Mitra (Patel) (OA-199/2014) that burning of wood and plastics should be banned and the culprits prosecuted. Use of wood as a means for cooking releases toxic fumes full of carcinogens which is harmful for everyone.
In Goa the air quality is comparatively better than other states of India and people of Goa are bent on destroying their environment. The Biodiversity Board also should play an active part in enlightening the masses about the dangers of wood burning; it is observed that these boards are redundant in many villages including my village Santo Estevam. Biodiversity has a role to play in the preservation of environment and reduce carbon emissions. Even the churches, temples and mosques across Goa should spread awareness.
I would suggest certain policy changes for the Government of Goa and the concerned authorities to implement;
* Complete ban on sale of wood for cooking and plastic across Goa.
* Compulsory composting of wet waste at home or in community dwelling areas.
* Recycle of plastic into other items such as bags, tar for roads and fuel.
* Carbon emissions from all vehicles to be converted into writing ink.
* Heavy fines to be levied for violators who are caught with proof.
I am confident that by implementing these suggestions we can generate revenue and also have a positive impact on the environment. The present government is quite capable to implement these changes.
