The world is suffering from global pandemic novel corona virus. In this havoc, we are not being able to conduct campaign in the community level. However, as the lockdown loosened I had done the preparation so as to conduct the campaign on air pollution in the community level. In order to ensure the campaign is away from risk of transmission of corona virus, I had distributed surgical mask and hand sanitizer to all the people they attend the campaign. I had conducted the drama in 4^th August, 2020.

This time I have performed street drama so as to create awareness related to air pollution. The script of drama solely aimed about the causes, consequences and mitigation of air pollution. The problem of air pollution is skyrocketing in many cities of Nepal and so is the patient of lung cancer and many more air borne diseases. The drama was performed in Dadagaun, Kathmandu. The play was performed by six people and the drama was 25-minute long. In the drama there was a role of doctor, old illiterate woman, her daughter, one villager and her daughter and also the literate man. The drama had increased the awareness and attitude of the common local people towards the air pollution and also attitude towards breast feeding in this ‘World breastfeeding week’. The drama was related to air pollution and breast feeding.

Air pollution is defined as the presence of unwanted and undesirable foreign particles and gases in the air which have adverse effects on human beings, animals, plants, vegetation and important structures. When the chemicals are added to the atmosphere either by natural or anthropogenic cause in high enough concentrations which is harmful, there occurs an air pollution. Primary pollutants are those which are directly emitted from identifiable source. These pollutants are emitted directly to the atmosphere as Particulate matter, Oxides of Sulphur, Oxides of Nitrogen, Carbon Monoxide and radioactive Compounds. Secondary air pollutants are those which are produced in the air by the reaction of two or more primary pollutants as Ozone, Formaldehyde, Photochemical smog, Peroxy acetyl nitrate (PAN). Natural sources of air pollution are atmospheric reactions, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, dust storms, electric storms, salt spray form oceans, microorganisms, radioactive substances. Anthropogenic cause of air pollution is Combustion of fuel, Automobile exhaust, Industries, Thermal and nuclear power plants, Agricultural activities, Construction materials, System of sanitation, Mining, Nuclear explosions, Air crafts, Waste water treatment plants. The effects of particulate in human health are the pollutants of size less than 1 µ causes lung damage, asbestos fibers cause cancer, lead from automobile exhaust affects brain, it causes several respiratory diseases, silica, arsenic, dust causes cancer.

The effects of air pollution in plants are deposition of particulate matter containing toxic metals affects the growth of plants, the particulate matter after deposition on plant leaves block stomata opening of plants and reduce plant growth, the particulate matter with acid rain, reduces ph of the soil which makes the infertile. The effects of air pollution in material things are the particulate matter causes damage to building, the corrosion is enhanced, it causes cracks and fading of pointed surface, particulates accumulate on the soil and reduces fertility of soil. Also the air pollution is the main cause of global warming, greenhouse effect, acid rain, thinning of upper ozone layer. On thinning of the upper layer of ozone there are many harmful effects. Higher levels of the radiation hit to the earth’s surface thereby causing cataract to the human eye, skin cancer. It also lowers the immunity power of the living creature. It can also disrupt ecosystem. There occurs a huge loss due to crop damage.

The legislation related to the sir pollution should be made effective and strict and implemented. We should find alternative way so that there occurs less or no harm to the environment. We should use eco- friendly vehicles as electric vehicle instead of diesel and petrol engine vehicle. We should use electricity instead of coal. We should plant trees along the side of the river so that there occurs the filtration of the gases by the trees nearby. Also there must be the modification in the industries emitting the harmful gases. We must use electricity and natural gases so there occurs less emission of the harmful gases. We must discourage the use of insecticides and pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Traffic management and reduction of pollution through proper turning should be enhanced. The waste plastic should not be haphazardly burnt but should be encouraged to recycle.

Eventually, I am going to conduct the awareness of harmful impacts of the plastic bags and its alternative for the common people. I will be giving presentation maintaining socal distance and free mask distribution.

Reference:

https://www.slideshare.net/Abhi631995/air-pollution-67552909?from_action=save