### Air Pollution: A Rising Cause of Heart Disease and Diabetes

Udaipur,  Air pollution has emerged as a major contributor not only to respiratory problems but also to the rising incidence of heart disease and diabetes. Experts warn that harmful pollutants are not just inhaled but can also be absorbed through the skin, further aggravating health risks.

Several reports have highlighted Rajasthan as one of the worst-affected states in India when it comes to deaths caused by air pollution. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution levels are alarmingly high. Besides harmful gases and particulate matter, factors such as poor ventilation in modern homes, the widespread use of air conditioners, refrigerators, and vehicles are contributing to the rising air temperature. These issues call for concerted action at individual, societal, and governmental levels to tackle air pollution effectively.

These insights were shared by Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal, a leading environmental health expert from PGI Chandigarh, and Dr. Suman Mor, an environmental expert from Punjab University, during a seminar held at Vidya Bhavan Polytechnic. The seminar was organized by the ISTE and IEI student chapters, the Eco Club for Environmental Protection, and the National Service Scheme.

### New Strategies Needed to Combat Air Pollution

During the seminar, Dr. Khaiwal and Dr. Mor emphasized that temporary solutions like tiling roadsides or using anti-smog sprinklers will not provide a permanent solution to air pollution. Instead, they advocated for planting suitable types of grass and plants along roadsides. They also stressed the importance of controlling the sources of pollution and managing the flow of pollutants.

The seminar saw participation from prominent environmentalists like Rahul Bhatnagar, President of the Green People Society, former DFO Sohel Majboor, and other experts, who discussed the adverse effects of air pollution not just on air quality but also on water and land resources. They underlined that air pollution poses a serious threat to public health, and urgent action is required to address this growing crisis.

The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Anil Mehta, Principal of Vidya Bhavan Polytechnic.