Breathing easy? Not any more

Switch over completely to eco-friendly fuels like CNG 
Construction of buildings is rampant and so is the increase in vehicular traffic, hence they need to be controlled. There should be a certain distance between residential areas and highways, since housing societies near expressways are the worst hit. Awareness needs to be created so that individuals become conscious about the environment. People need to use eco-friendly fuel like LPG and CNG and use cars which have low emission levels. We must try to use public transport as much as possible.

Respiratory diseases are increasing, and more children are falling prey to the rise in pollutants. We might have the latest medicines, but if one cannot control the symptoms, because of pollution then they are hardly of any use. Many a times, we have to tell people to change their residence to a less polluted area. One must try to increase immunity by regular exercise, yoga, eating healthy food.   
Alpa Dalal, pulminologist, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital

Developing sea links may reduce congestion
B  oth air and noise pollution have a detrimental impact on human health. However, the way ahead to curb pollution cannot come from ad-hoc initiatives. Recently Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officials along with NGO Awaaz Foundation carried out a check on noise levels during the car-free day at Bandra. Surprisingly noise levels were higher than normal due to loudspeakers put up by organisers.

The way to reverse pollution has to come about by strengthening public transport initiatives like dedicated bus lanes, and metro. Mumbai has a vast coastline so starting hovercraft services can also be an option. Another option can be to allow vehicles with odd and even number licence plates to ply on alternate days. This will compel many motorists to use public transport. It has been successfully been tried in countries like Singapore.    
Anil Joseph, chairperson (civic affairs), Khar Residents’ Association

Societies must initiate sapling plantation drives 
We must never forget that pollution affects all of us. Global warming may be an international issue, but to control it one needs to think local. We need to take small steps in our daily life to save the environment. For instance, every family can grow a tree. Considering the huge population of the city, imagine how many trees can flourish if every family promotes this initiative. It doesn’t cost much and saplings need care and nurturing only in the beginning. More foliage will mean more oxygen and detoxification of the air.

While the BMC and other agencies have put saplings across the city, their survival rate remains low because they plant small saplings. Not much care is taken to nurture them and as a result they wilt away. One can buy luxurious houses, expensive cars but can one buy air? No, therefore everyone needs to make little changes in their lifestyle.   
Nusrat Khatri, horticulturist

Carpooling needs to become common
Earlier we took a jog in the morning to beat the hustle-bustle and vehicular pollution. Today it is not possible to do that, because there is a pall of smog over large parts of the city during the early morning hours. The only solution to the problem of ever-increasing pollutants in the air will be the use of public transport. The idea of carpooling must find acceptance. I don’t think that the city can have car-free days, since people want to travel in luxury. But just to enjoy their comfort, they shouldn’t forget about the consequences of their action and its long term effects on the environment.   
Pooja Seth, Bandra

Be stringent on PUC tests
I know of people who have faced serious health complications recently due to air pollution. It’s not just the private vehicles and high-rise apartments that are to be blamed, but also other public transport vehicles which undergo little maintenance or PUC tests. Unless proper measures are taken at the earliest, the situation might just worsen. So rather than reversing the damage one needs to look at the measures that need to be taken to improve current conditions. We need more feasible options than just car-free days which are not necessarily successful always.    
Priyanka Belhawre, CST

City requires more parks and gardens 
Everybody needs a home and with the ever-increasing population, we need more buildings. And as the standard of living is improving, more and more people can afford vehicles. Therefore, it will obviously lead to an increase in pollution. We cannot stop building high-rises or manufacturing cars. But our approach needs to change; people need to be more conscious about the environment and their action. For instance, big vehicles and industries should be penalised because they don’t follow norms to control pollution. We need to plant more trees in the city. There is no doubt that we lack open spaces in the city. Therefore, we need more gardens.   
Sandeep Jayraj, Kandivli
 
Give a fillip to planting more trees
Since pollution levels have increased and with the construction of more skyscrapers, trees are being cut, which is not a good sign for the environment. It’s definitely possible to reverse it by putting the emphasis on planting more trees and having an eco-friendly approach. The need of the hour is to substantially upgrade our public transportation system and switch to green energy. As far as, car-free days are concerned, I don’t think it seems possible, since the public transport system is already overburdened, but with the coming of metro and monorail, it should be possible in the future.   
Rohan Mehrotra, Wadala

Loans make buying of vehicles easier 
Private vehicles and high-rises are taking a heavy toll on the quality of air. Everyone wants to use their own vehicle today and because vehicle loans are easily accessible, it’s very easy to own a car. So despite owning a vehicle, people should try and use public transport, wherever possible. Also, awareness is the key, people talk about going green today, but they should consciously implement it. The media and NGOs should spread awareness about this problem. I’m personally not in favour of having car-free days in a big city like Mumbai. It’s important that people voluntarily understand their responsibility and take measures accordingly.          
Divyesh Chovatiya, Borivili