Curbing Pollution is Not Just One Person’s Problem: Srikant Dwivedi

MUMBAI: December 2 is observed as National Pollution Control Day. Srikant Dwivedi, known for playing the lead in the show Lakshmi Narayan and currently portraying Lord Vishnu in the mythological series Shiv Shakti-Tap Tyag Tandav, believes the significant rise in pollution levels indicates that we, as a community, need to work together to control it.

He said, “The pollution levels in India have been rising significantly, and because of this, we are frequently experiencing issues like colds, coughs, and throat problems in our daily lives. According to me, the right approach to handle this issue is that while people in India often talk about their fundamental rights, they tend to forget their fundamental duties. Curbing pollution is not just one person’s problem; it’s everyone’s problem, and we are all facing the consequences.”

“One of the biggest contributors to pollution at the individual level is vehicles. For example, if there are 20–30 people heading to the same location, say for work, and they live nearby, instead of everyone taking their own vehicles, it’s better to carpool and go together. This reduces pollution and traffic,” he added.

He shared that actors also engage in carpooling and said, “If a group of us needs to go to the same location, we don’t take separate cars. We carpool and travel together as much as possible.”

“This is something everyone can do. By making small contributions like this, we fulfill our fundamental duty to the environment. It’s not just about rights; we all need to take responsibility and do our part for a cleaner and healthier future,” he emphasized.

To protect himself from pollution, Srikant carries a mask whenever he steps out. He added, “Also, if I visit a highly polluted area, I make sure to take extra care when I return home, such as washing up or taking precautions to stay healthy.”

He also ensures that his diet helps him combat the ill effects of rising pollution. “I make sure to include plenty of greens, salads, and green vegetables in my diet. At the same time, I add red foods to maintain a good balance of nutrients. This combination of green and red foods really helps me stay healthy, and I ensure they are always part of my meals,” he said.

What about skincare and hair care? “If I visit a highly polluted area, I make sure to take steam when I come back to help clear my airways and stay healthy. When it comes to skincare, honestly, I’m not very good at it. My only routine is using a moisturizer, and that’s about it. For hair care, however, I’m more careful. I always make sure to use good-quality shampoos, often medicated ones, and I consult a dermatologist before using any shampoo or conditioner. I never use just any product without professional advice,” Srikant concluded.