NATIONAL POLLUTION CONTROL DAY 2023: The National Pollution Control Day is observed every year on December 2. It is marked in the memory of those who lost their lives in the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy that took place on December 2 and 3. It is estimated that at least 4,000 people died when a pesticide plant by American chemical company Union Carbide’s pesticide plant began leaking the toxic methyl isocyanate gas into a populated area in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

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Subsequently, more than 15,000 people were gravely affected by the side effects of inhaling the noxious gas. The day is aimed to make people aware about the dangerous consequences of pollution.

National Pollution Control Day 2023 Theme

The theme for National Pollution Control Day 2023 is “Sustainable Development for a Clean and Healthy Planet”.

National Pollution Control Day Quotes

1. “The best scenario of all when it comes to air pollution has nothing to do with tailpipe filters or hybrid, electric, or zero emissions car technology. The way to reduce pollution is to reduce driving, plain and simple.” – Elly Blue
2. “The earth we abuse and the living things we kill will, in the end, take their revenge; for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future.” – Marya Mannes
3. “Today we’re dumping 70 million tons of global-warming pollution into the environment, and tomorrow we will dump more, and there is no effective worldwide response. Until we start sharply reducing global-warming pollution, I will feel that I have failed.” – Al Gore
4. “Polluting the air is even more foolish when it is done through a fire that is fuelled by the trunk or branches of a tree.” – Mokokoma Mokhonoana
5. “Climate change and air pollution know no borders, and antibiotics resistance respects no boundaries. Bacteria from Africa can make people in America sick. The burning of Indonesian forests can keep Asia gasping for breath.” – Rohini Nilekani

10 things you can do to reduce air pollution

1. Use public transport, opt for carpooling
2. Don’t use crackers or fireworks during celebrations
3. Avoid burning waste in the open
4. Advocate for sustainable policies at the national and local level
5. Make sure your vehicle’s carbon emissions are within the legal limits, keep your PUC certificate updated.
6. Choose environmentally safe paints and cleaning products
7. Participate in afforestation initiatives and create a green cover in urban areas.
8. Raise awareness about environmental causes
9. Support environment-justice advocacy and action groups
10. Boycott products that are made with fossil fuels or have high carbon footprint