Why did India ask for help from Pakistan and Bangladesh? Said- This issue is beyond limits

Calling pollution a transboundary issue, India called upon countries, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh, to take proactive and cooperative measures to manage and mitigate transboundary air pollution. This appeal has been made at a time when pollution is increasing in North India and on Wednesday the air quality of New Delhi reached ‘severe’ level for the first time this season. The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 418.

According to news agency PTI, the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said in a statement on Wednesday that ministers and heads of delegations from six of the eight countries that share the Earth’s highest ‘cryosphere’ (frozen region) region. On Tuesday, he participated in a meeting organized by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on the second day of the global climate conference COP 29 in Azerbaijan.

India described pollution as a serious and common challenge

ICIMOD is a regional inter-governmental study and knowledge sharing centre. In this meeting, India described air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic air region as a serious and common challenge. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change, said, “Most of our countries come under the same airspace, i.e. the Indo-Gangetic airspace. This is an issue beyond borders. All countries should work together to deal with air pollution.

Pakistan blamed the winds coming from India

According to the statement, he appealed to countries, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh, to take proactive, cooperative steps to manage and mitigate trans-border air pollution. Earlier this month, Pakistan had blamed winds coming from India for Lahore’s air quality deteriorating and smog reaching ‘dangerous levels’.

Tuesday’s meeting came as scientists issued new warnings about the unprecedented economic and environmental damage caused by melting snow and ice. It is expected that a record for cryospheric erosion will be set by 2023.

The speed of melting of glaciers is increasing

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is often called the ‘Water Tower’ of Asia. It provides fresh water to approximately two billion people across Asia. Due to climate change and rising temperatures, the rate of melting of glaciers in this region has increased and there is a threat to water, food and energy security for millions of people living in the region.

What did Bhutan say?

Bhutan Prime Minister Tobgay said, “The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is a center of biodiversity and is home to some of the largest ice reserves in the world. As global temperatures are rapidly approaching the 1.5°C limit, we must collectively act now to reduce future disasters that could impact mountain populations and the 1.6 billion people living downstream. Will do.” Other leaders of the area agreed with his concerns.

Nepal called for unity

Nepal’s Forest and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri cited recent disasters, including massive floods in his country that washed away entire villages. He called for global solidarity to deal with the regional threat.

Pakistan appealed for international support

Pakistan Prime Minister’s coordinator on climate change, Romina Khurshid Alam, appealed for solidarity and stronger international support. He stressed that the future of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region depends on sustainable, flexible efforts that go beyond national level efforts.

Bangladesh also said – impact of climate crisis beyond borders

Bangladesh also expressed similar sentiments and stressed that the impact of the climate crisis transcends borders and requires regional commitment. “If we continue our actions as before, the problem will become worse,” warned Bangladesh’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Farheena Ahmed. Underlined the country’s commitment to raising issues.

ICIMOD outlined the plan to deal with the crisis

Kathmandu-based ICIMOD outlined specific strategies to deal with the growing crisis. Pema Gyatsho, Director General of ICIMOD, stressed the need to enhance disaster preparedness, increase financing to respond to the situation, and stronger policy coordination.

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