Environment & Pollution Awareness Program held Under the Aegis of Saptarang & IMA Rohtak

Rohtak, November 16, 2025: Along with individual efforts, strong collective civic action is urgently needed for environmental protection and pollution prevention. Until environmental awareness spreads among the public and the consumerist lifestyle changes, efforts toward conservation and pollution control will remain incomplete.

These views were expressed by distinguished speakers at a discussion seminar on "Environment and Pollution: Causes, Effects, and the Road to Solutions", organized jointly by the Saptarang Institute and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Rohtak.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Dhruv Chaudhary, senior physician at Pt. B.D.S. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Health University, said that today’s environmental crisis is largely man-made. It affects not only humans but also plants and animals. He especially discussed the growing cases of respiratory diseases, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disorders caused by air pollution, and pointed to the alarming rise in lung cancer cases. He remarked that due to current air quality levels, we inhale pollution equivalent to smoking 18–20 cigarettes a day. He emphasized that the shared ecosystem of humans, plants, and animals is under severe threat, and that there is a need to not only curb the reckless exploitation of natural resources but also to promote collective civic awareness and environmental consciousness among policymakers during this conservation month.

Dr. Rajesh Dhankhar, senior professor in the Department of Environmental Science at MDU, spoke about air, water, and soil pollution and discussed ways to reduce pollution at the household level. She noted that apart from stubble burning, pollution also comes substantially from vehicles, construction activities, garbage, and dust due to lack of cleanliness. She stressed the importance of environmental awareness in society and the nation.

Prof. Ashwini from PGIMS Rohtak’s Department of Cardiology shared insights on heart diseases caused by environmental and pollution-related factors. Renowned physician Dr. Ravi Mohan emphasized the need for harmony between humans and the environment and discussed health issues resulting from pollution.

Guest of Honour Dr. Arun Narula, renowned physician said that pollution-related diseases are now affecting not only the elderly but also the youth and children, which is deeply concerning. IMA Rohtak President Dr. Aarti Sahu called for dialogue and in-depth deliberation on finding solutions to environmental and pollution problems, ensuring that policymakers are meaningfully involved.

The programme was conducted by educationist Dr. Ramneek Mohan and coordinated by Parvinder Pal. Among the participants were Rohtak’s Air Pollution Nodal Officer Dr. Sushila Godara, senior doctors Dr. Ishwar Singh and Prof. Mahesh Gupta, environmental activist Dr. Jasmer, natural farming activist Prof. Rajendra Chaudhary and others. The event saw the participation of  doctors, citizens, activists, teachers, writers, students and other prominent residents of Rohtak.