Chandigarh
15 February 2025
DIVYA AZAD
Amid growing concerns over Punjab’s worsening air quality, leading environmental experts and journalists gathered at Hyatt Centric, Sector 17, Chandigarh, for a high-impact media workshop. The event, titled “Media Workshop on Air Pollution, Health Impacts, and the Role of Media in Punjab,” aimed to provide journalists with the necessary expertise to report effectively on air pollution and its health consequences.
Punjab faces an escalating air pollution crisis, primarily driven by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. These factors have contributed to severe health complications, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality heightens the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality.
The workshop, attended by 50 journalists, healthcare professionals, ASHA workers, and farmers, featured a session by Vinayak Sinha, Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, IISER, who provided a scientific breakdown of air pollution sources and their health implications. He emphasized the importance of understanding air quality data and how science can drive policy changes to mitigate pollution in Punjab.
Following this, doctors from Fortis Hospital, Mohaliincluding Dr. Swapna Misra, Gynecologist; Dr. Arun Kochar, Cardiologist and Dr. Navreet Kaur, Pulmonologist highlighted the severe health effects of air pollution, with a focus on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Their session underscored how vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected by deteriorating air quality.
Adding to the discussion, ASHA workers and farmers shared their on-ground experiences, illustrating the daily health challenges faced by rural communities due to air pollution. Their testimonies provided valuable insights into the urgent need for policy interventions and support systems for those most affected.
The workshop placed a strong emphasis on responsible and data-driven reporting, equipping journalists with the necessary knowledge and storytelling techniques to effectively communicate the crisis. Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Head of State Climate Action, Asar, underscored the critical role of the media: “Air pollution is a public health emergency that requires immediate attention. Media professionals play a vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy through accurate, data-driven reporting.”
Vinayak Sinha from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research ( IISER ) Mohali, reinforced the need for scientific accuracy in environmental journalism, stating, “The media must ensure that air pollution coverage is rooted in scientific evidence. This workshop bridges the gap between researchers and journalists, fostering accurate and impactful environmental reporting.”
With collaboration between journalists, scientists, and policymakers, this workshop marks a step forward in creating a well-informed, action-driven media landscape that can drive meaningful change for Punjab’s air quality.
