PCB campaigns for eco-friendly Diwali

About 280 students from different schools participated in the drawing and paintings competitions as part of the Pollution Control Board’s (PCB) eco-friendly Diwali campaign at Government DIET School.

Speaking at the event, project officer of PCB T Radhika said, “Never burst crackers in front of pets and do not allow them in any common area (terraces, walkways) where crackers are burst. Ensure that the fireworks are put out and disposed of safely. At home, ensure that toxic crackers are out of reach of curious paws.

“If one lives in an apartment complex, petition to the resident community to ban fireworks and to light lamps, instead. Lastly, if you see an act of cruelty or an accidental injury, report the issue to an animal rescues group or veterinarian immediately,” she added.

Post Diwali smoke is more a cause for concern than any other substance, as it contains poisonous gasses that leave symptomatic effects, such as headaches, irritation and allergies often for weeks after celebrations.

The programme encouraged eco friendly Diwali through slogans like “Limit Crackers Noise to Day Time”, “Limit Sparklers Light to Night Time”, “No rockets of air borne crackers during dawn and dusk” and “Protect birds which go in the dawn and return in the dusk”.