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Chennai, Oct 16 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has appealed to the public to celebrate this Diwali in an eco-friendly and noise-free manner, use only certified green crackers and strictly adhere to the permitted hours for bursting them – 6 am to 7 am and 7 pm to 8 pm.
In a statement, TNPCB said that Diwali is a time of celebration and lights, but excessive and unregulated use of fireworks continues to cause significant damage to the environment.
“Unregulated bursting of firecrackers causes serious air, land and water pollution and also poses health hazards including temporary or permanent hearing loss,” it said.
The board reminded that the Supreme Court in its 2018 direction had mandated the manufacture and sale of only low-emission, eco-friendly firecrackers to curb pollution during festivals.
The top court had also encouraged mass celebrations and community firework displays within restricted hours to minimize environmental impact. “To protect public health and protect the environment, the state government is implementing fixed time slots for bursting of firecrackers, in line with the orders of the Supreme Court,” TNPCB said.
Ahead of the festival, the Board has intensified its public awareness campaigns through schools, colleges, eco clubs and National Green Corps (NGC) units across Tamil Nadu.
These campaigns are being organized in coordination with school education, higher education, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), police, district administration and local bodies.
Citizens have been urged to follow necessary safety measures such as using only low-noise, low-emission firecrackers, avoiding chain crackers and avoiding burning fireworks near hospitals, schools, religious places or fire-prone areas.
Reiterating its message, the board said, “Diwali is a festival of light and togetherness, not noise and smoke.” It appealed to people to make this year’s festival a celebration of happiness and sustainability by celebrating pollution-free, safe and responsible Diwali.
–IANS
AL/DPB