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CoverStory ENVIRONMENT

converted into pulp which is used to make value to Avni were results of humans entering tiger terri-
added products like disposable tableware. He is put- tory, possibly for cattle grazing in forest reserve.
ting an effort to utilise the crop residue of Punjab As I write this, the two cubs of Avni are also being
and Haryana and make disposable plates from it. So, hunted. The government is claiming that they would
what is being burnt today causing so many harmful be tranquillised and rescued but there is no assur-
effects could be an additional source of income for ance. I sincerely pray that the cubs don’t meet Avni’s
the farmers and would also replace plastic. fate. The animal lovers are raising their voice against
Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan the killing of Avni and are praying for the safety of
flagged off five buses fitted with air-filters which her two cubs. Anand Siva, an animal activist who is
trap the pollutants in the air. These air-filters were dedicatedly working on the issue said, “Avni is an
designed by Faridabad based Manav Rachna Inno- eye opener on the corrupt practices in our country.
vation and Incubation Centre (MRIIC). The filters can Not just the Indians but even the world is joining
tap upto 98per cent particulate matter thus keeping hands to raise their voice against the illegal killing of
the air, pollutant free. Tigress Avni.” Several rounds of protests were
Chakr Innovation founded by IIT Delhi alumnus organised all across the country to show that the
converts particulate matter emissions from diesel people will no longer stay quiet on these killings. This is
generators into inks and paints. The ink made from
pollutants is used for computer printing.
Nasofilters uses nanotechnology to filter pollut- Despite government
ants while breathing. It can be worn over nostrils
and used for 12 hours. Unlike traditional face masks,
this doesn’t block breathing. It is available on Ama- measures, subsidies
zon, Flipkart, Paytm and Apollo Pharmacy stores in
Delhi. and court orders to
Delhi based Kurin systems has come up with a 40
feet air purifier than can provide clean air to around curb the burning of
75,000 people in a radius of 3 kms. This air puri -
fier has been considered to be ‘World’s largest and stubble residue at the
strongest air purifier.’ This device won’t need electric
end of harvest season,
grids to function as it can run solely on solar power.
OTHER ASPECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION there has been limited
‘Fake’ encounter of Tigress Avni
Tigress Avni was killed in Maharashtra’s Yavat- progress in controlling
mal forest in a fake encounter on the orders of Ma-
harashtra government. She is survived by her two the harmful practice
young cubs of 10 months old. She was shot dead
that govt must take to prevent Delhi’s air from get- personally I am not very much in favour of air puri- by sharp-shooter Asgar Ali, son of famous shooter
ting spoiled further. While, here are some temporary fiers as it may clean the air inside but it pollutes the Nawab Shafat Ali. The post mortem report of Tigress
relief measures that an individual can take to protect outside air further more. Avni revealed that she had not eaten for more than a
themselves from pollution. Those having asthma or other lung problems must week. This means, her cubs are also hungry and for- the first time, that the common man is actually com-
Since most people in Delhi NCR live in apartments, keep their medicine handy. Tomatoes, apples, broc- est officials are in search for them. ing on streets in large numbers to fight for the rights
they can have terrace or balcony garden. Also grow- coli, spinach, flaxseed are some of the food items The killing was done because the government of animals.
ing indoor plants like Areca Palm, Lady Palm, Bam- that will help in reducing the impact of pollutants sold the Yavatmal forest which was Avni’s habitat to A global march and prayer was held in different
boo palm, Rubber Plant can help in naturally puri- on your body. So, consume them often. Wear masks Anil Ambani to build a cement factory. Although the parts of India and the world on 11 November 2018 to
fying the air.People should try avoiding the use of when ever you move out of the house and carry them govt used the excuse of Avni being a man eater ti- demand justice for illegal killing of Avni and create
private transport to reduce emission of pollutants. always with you. gress which had killed 13 villagers. However, there is awareness and attention towards conservation of
Try and stay indoors if possible. Do not burn any no scientific proof of these 13 people being killed by wildlife. The protest was conducted across 25 cities
crackers on Diwali, weddings or any other occasion. INNOVATIONS TO CLEAN THE AIR Tigress Avni. Also, the label ‘man-eater’ contradicted in India and 10 cities internationally. Anuragini Shid-
Fitness of your lungs is more important than a frac- Its an age of innovations and startups. Pollution has the “Guidelines of Declaration of Big Cats as Man- dhat, a young crusader who is aggressively uniting
tion of excitement that you get after watching the emerged to be a major problem and many innova- eaters”, which state that a tiger can only be deemed a people in raising the voice said, “She is doing it for
crackers. Do exercise everyday early in the morning tors are trying to solve it. Some of such innovations danger to humans if he or she ventures into human Avni and all other animals because these are voice-
or late evening as exercise keeps the lungs healthy. are. Pracheer Dutta, incubated in IIT Delhi has de- territory and kills someone. However, the deaths less creatures and they cannot speak for themselves.
One can buy Air Purifiers as a temporary relief but veloped a technology by which crop residue can be that the Maharashtra Forest Department attributed Also, there are several organisations workings to-

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