22.9 C
Surat
Friday, February 7, 2025
22.9 C
Surat
Friday, February 7, 2025

Dust allergy a daily struggle for 69-yr-old


Ahmedabad: For the past 12 years, 69-year-old Yagnesh Pandya has been battling dust allergies, primarily triggered by construction dust near his home in Ashwamegh Bungalows in the Jodhpur area of the city. He is required to take precautions against road dust, burning of waste and even dust lingering at his workpl ace. “The allergic reactions peak during Holi and Navratri, when the season changes. I manage this by taking medication when symptoms become severe,” says Pandya. “I also feel that my allergies are triggered by several other factors like paper dust, perfumes and incense.”
Pandya says the primary issue is poor urban planning and construction. He pointed out that even if main roads and lanes are cleaned, dust is still prevalent, and you can feel it while driving a vehicle. He believes that the major causes of dust pollution are the ongoing construction and demolition activities.
“I find the destruction of trees and vegetation due to these developments as one of the reasons why dust pollution has skyrocketed,” says Pandya. He notes that new trees are not planted quickly enough to replace the loss.
“I believe the solution lies in better urban planning and regulation of construction. If a construction project is approved, the authorities should evaluate the local area, assess the potential impact of the work and act accordingly,” adds Pandya.
According to Pandya, both citizens and govt have important roles to play. While citizens should actively participate in tree plantation drives to enhance air quality, the govt needs to take decisive action in managing public infrastructure projects. Though citizens can contribute through small-scale initiatives, meaningful change can only come through large-scale govt intervention, he said.





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