NEILI (Pajhwok): Some residents of central Daikundi province are complaining about growing air pollution caused by low-quality and smoky fuels.
They urged the government to pay serious attention to addressing the public health hazard and prevent people being affected by pollution.
Arif Seddiqi, a resident of Neili, the provincial capital, told Pajhwok Afghan News Daikundi’s air had been polluted due to the use of low-quality fuels, which also caused respiratory diseases.
Speaking about the danger of air pollution, he suggested people think about good alternatives to the cheap fuels.
Seddiqi acknowledged due to economic problems, it was difficult for people to use quality fuel or other means of heating. But those who use coal should have filters, so that it does not contribute to air pollution.
He asked the government to coordinate with different institutions the provision of facilities such as the replacement of clean fuels.
Seddiqi also called upon the authorities concerned to put pressure on people to use filters in pollution-vulnerable areas.
Mohammad Shah, another young inhabitant, is worried about the harm of environmental pollution and says people do not pay attention to the diseases caused by it.
“The devastation caused by coal is too much. At night and in daytime, coal smoke led to various ailments, including incurable diseases, among people.”
In addition to damaging the environment, the young man explained, pollution was also taking a heavy toll on forests.
He asked people to use filters in their homes when using coal and to try to minimise the use of any material that contributed to air pollution.
Department of Environmental Protection officials are also worried about the increasing pollution and want residents to help combat the scourge.
Mohammad Ebrahim Sharifi, head of Environmental Protection Authority, told Pajhwok: “The people of Daikundi use coal, firewood, fuels and diesel that produce smoke and pollution, which are very harmful to human health.”
He added although the use of alternative fuels had not been considered yet, people should try to use quality items for heating up their homes.
The official also mentions a new project called “biogas” which, according to him, is an effective alternative to smoky fuels.
Sharifi added he had shared the plan with different agencies and goaded them to cooperate with the people, but he had not received any response so far.
He explained biogas was prepared with basic materials from animal waste. Gas is produced as a result of keeping the waste in shallow pits, and the construction of those wells requires support.
He asked people to avoid using substances that polluted the environment and spawned public problems.
sa/mud
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