TODAY -

Climate Change Adds To Poverty @ Strokes; Sounds Surprising?
- Part 1 -

S Kunjabihari Singh *



A 188-nation study published in 'The Lancet Neurology' estimated that almost a third of the stroke burden, roughly 15 million cases a year, in our country, can be attributed to 'air pollution'. Car exhaust and dusty homes could be the culprits, according to "Global Burden of Diseases Study 2013", done by the 'Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation'.

The Lancet study found that top 5 reasons for Indians getting stroke, (estimated at around 3,000 and 4,000 everyday) were high blood pressure, diet low in fruit, household air pollution, diet low in vegetables and high salt consumption. This study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also concluded, "Air pollution has emerged as a significant contributor to global stroke burden, especially in low-income and middle-income countries".

Given this near-realistic observation, are not we exposed to the greater peril of this looming menace? Are not then we the common man need be conscious of and think about remedial measures more than any time in the past? Yes, we need to contribute to stall any worsening of the environmental degradation however small, it could be, in our own simple ways. The past four or five decades had seen a succession of environmental health warnings and consequent programmes to combat.

A series of environmental protection and pollution control laws have been launched since the early seventies. Standards for air and water quality have been set, measures initiated to contain. More worry some is the growth of polluting sectors of the economy such as industry and power which would, in any case, outpace any benefit generated by the enforcement of these control measures. To cap it further, the population pressure, in milder terminology, demographic stresses, are on the rise and would continue to burden so.

India's population extrapolated at 1.27 billion by 2046, another 30 years from now would surpass China's. Density of population at 360 per sq. km. now is estimated to be around 500 by 2050. The overall impact on the atmosphere would be terrific unless the dozen or so pollution control measures are implemented in a hurry and that too, religiously.

Compounding this scenario is global warming; erratic rains, more at variance than at any time before. Added to this could be the scarcity of water, fresh water over the years. India's water crises are deepening. Manipur cannot be far behind though exact estimates are not around. Per capita availability of water is reportedly just around 1,400 cubic meters per person now, considered bare threshold level.

The alarming situation is the projected availability of just around 1000 cubic meters by 2050. This sounds frightening recalling that in 1950, water availability per capita was 5000 cubic meters. The fall in availability of water per capita from 1950 to 2015 is an alarming 70%. This trend again accelerates the worsening of environment to a considerable level.

The earth needs to preserve the biodiversity - the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a habitat. Our state too has lost its biodiversity to a significant extent. We had lost once for all, the birds that we lived together in our childhood days, the crows so common in the leikais…..The wild ducks feeding at the Loktak Lake in winter months are no more seen to the extent we could see or hear about. These wild birds reportedly come all the way from Siberia to seek warmer weather for habitation that includes breeding.

Instances are aplenty where we had lost precious biodiversity. These losses cost to the environment, the ecology in all possible ways. But this loss is not exclusive preserve of Manipur; it is a world phenomenon. What is therefore crucial is how this change can be arrested, nurtured to strike a balance between economic development and environmental degradation.

Having a range of different plant and animal species would help guarantee the health of the earth. Researchers at the University College, London based their study on data from studies of hundreds of international scientists to arrive at an approximate fall of global biodiversity to the extent of 84.6%. The study also hinted at the possibility of significant loss of level of biodiversity enough to question the ability of ecosystems to support human societies in the near future. They are now engaged in study of how biodiversity has changed over time particularly since humans arrived and built on land.

During the first week of this month, July,2016, The Union Ministry Highways have rolled out a project, 'Adopt a Green Highway' on the lines of 'Adopt a Highway' in the United States. It aims at boosting green cover along highways across the country. The Centre estimate that around only 10% of the Indian Highway network has green cover on both sides.

This innovative scheme aims at greening 2,000 km at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore. They plan to rope in Corporates, PSUs, Educational Institutes and CSOs to adopt stretches for plantation and maintenance for a minimum of 5 years. Yet a second scheme, 'Kishan Harit Rajmarg Yojna', the National Highways Authority of India will provide technical and financial support to farmers for plantation in portions of their farmland along highway stretches.

Imphal-Dimapur stretch is 230 km. The governments of Nagaland and Manipur are eligible to ask for Rs 34 crore for the entire length of plantation at Rs 15 lakh per km. According to Nitin Gadkari, the Highways Minister, 1 km of greening can generate employment to 10 persons, with target for 1 lakh jobs in the country. Even where the Government of Manipur is capable of covering the stretch from Mantripukhri to Sekmai, we will stand benefitted. The greater issue is how the NGOs and PSUs in the state could be motivated to come forward for the 5-year project, given the poor level of public response typical of this state, more so for the NGOs.

Ten states have responded promptly. Haryana signed agreement for 415 km, Jammu & Kashmir for 100 km, Telengana for 150 km, Andhra Pradesh for 360 km, Madhya Pradesh for 150 km. Even our NER's big brother, (is it sister?) have signed for 50 km last week. Is our state listening knowing full well that we have 2 highways of which one is even claimed to be Asian Highway 2?

There apparently is a silver lining visible from a distance. Pollution Control Board report recently points to improving India's urban air quality. Levels of PM 10 or Coarse Pollution Particles have reportedly dipped over time in some cities. The reason attributed is the superior vehicle emission standards.

This parameter may not, however, hold good for our 'Sana Leibak', where, the mass deployment of aged, nearly condemnable auto-rickshaws in their thousands on every roads leading to Imphal, add to the woes. And these menaces are on the rise. An easy solution is not in sight even in the distant future; the lethargic execution of emission control norms, wanton issue of permits even for old vehicles even far exceeding the absorbable number.

A recent study sponsored by the Tourism Ministry in 2015 about the level of cleanliness index of tourist destination-cities across the country reveals that Imphal ranks 17th with a score of 62 lower than Guwahati at 12th with cleanliness index score of 65. Paradoxically, Shillong, known as the Scotland of the East, is in the list of the dirtiest with a rank of 33 scoring just 51 cleanliness index.

Gangtok is the cleanest city in the country with score of 76. Aizawl at 21st rank and Agartala at 24 score just 60 in a scale of 100. Incongruously, Kohima the capital of Nagaland with supposedly greenery all around is ranked a poor 31st with a score of just around 55. One reason could be the after effect of unplanned growth of urbanization as a result of population explosion. Not surprisingly, Haridwar, Puducherry, Raipur rank the lowest in the measure of 'Swachh'.

The parameters used for the study are:-
i) cleanliness of sewer and drainage,
ii) effectiveness of garbage collection and disposal,
iii) cleanliness of public conveniences,
iv) cleanliness around drinking water facilities,
v) cleanliness around eateries and
vi) cleanliness on ambience-related aspects.

Increasing dieselization partly on account of government's policy of subsidization of diesel, often heavily, compared to that of petrol, could have led to undermining the air quality according to environmentalists.

(To be continued).


* S Kunjabihari Singh (SK Singh) wrote this article for e-pao.net
This article was written on 18 July, 2016 - The writer can be reached at kunjabiharis(AT)rediffmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on July 20, 2016.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025