Pollution control board ropes in students for a green Diwali

Pollution control board ropes in students for a green Diwali Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 13
With about two weeks left for Diwali, the J&K State Pollution Control Board (JKSPCB) has decided to rope in students and NGOs to make it pollution-free. “All those who will volunteer to spread awareness about a clean and green Diwali will be honoured,” said JKSPCB chairman Lal Chand. The department would appeal to all citizens to celebrate Diwali without bursting crackers, he added.
“The bursting of firecrackers increases noise and air pollution. Diwali is known as the festival of lights and people should celebrate it with lamps (diyas),” maintained Lal Chand, adding that the Central Pollution Control Board had “directed all states to take necessary steps to control pollution on this special day.”
He said the steps initiated by the board last year had proved successful. “Last year, the noise and air pollution remained 10-15 per cent lesser than the previous years,” claimed Lal Chand.
Referring to this year’s strategy to check pollution, he said: “Efforts are being made to sensitise people, particularly youngsters, to be eco-friendly. People should become health-conscious and avoid the use of firecrackers.”
He added that the board was also checking the noise level of the firecrackers. “Only those firecrackers are allowed which do not exceed the noise level of 125 decibel.”
The board would be monitoring the noise and air pollution level at various places across the state. “Educated people should come in support of the board, so that the environment could be saved from harmful gases,” added Lal Chand.

Measures Taken People are being requested to celebrate Diwali with lamps, and not firecrackers Those who help spread awareness about a clean Diwali will be honoured Firecrackers with over 125 decibel level not allowed