GUWAHATI, Oct 20 - A number of voluntary social organisations in the State have appealed to the people to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner causing minimum air and sound pollution and caring about the environment.
The organisations, Assam Vigyan Samity, Ellora Vigyan Mancha, Gyan Vigyan Samity Assam, CRU (NER), Aranyak, Assam Environmental NGO Forum and Parivesh Surakshya Samity have also appealed to the people to avoid high decibel fire crackers and obey the Supreme Court guidelines in this regard.
�Diwali is a festival of lights and should be enjoyed with near and dear ones with joy and merriment. While going to celebrate the festival we should keep in mind that the high decibel fire crackers and colourful fireworks have harmful chemicals like barium nitrate, chromium, sulphur, etc., that can cause air pollution that leads to skin infections, respiratory problems, etc.,� a statement said.
The Central Pollution Control Board has identified 15 such air pollutant toxic chemicals, the amount of which increases manifold during Diwali. Besides, such fireworks have a very dangerous and life threatening impact on birds and animals.
The organisations also stressed the need to use and promote green crackers which have less toxic chemicals. Such crackers are available in big cities, which should be promoted in the small cities and towns.
