MYSURU: Ahead of
Diwali, a group of citizens comprising
environmentalists and health professionals have launched an anti-cracker campaign in the city.
The group, jointly with several welfare organisations, are requesting the public through social media platforms to refrain from bursting
crackers on Diwali to prevent air pollution and help people with respiratory problems amid the
pandemic.
Messages creating awareness on the breathing troubles faced covid patients are being circulated online. “As Covid affects lungs and those who recover require time to cope, people must take an oath to give up firecrackers this Diwali in view of the pandemic,” reads one of the posts
Speaking to TOI, Mysuru City Corporation health officer DG Nagaraj said the civic body had been requesting people to celebrate the festival of lights in an eco-friendly way since a few a years.
“Due to awareness, the numbers have come down. But this time, there will be a special precaution due to the pandemic. There are a lot of quarantine patients who will be confined to their homes. One of the important factors of comorbidity is asthma or wheezing and the crackers will cause respiratory trouble for people. So people should light candles and diyas to celebrate Diwali instead of bursting crackers,” he said.
Nagaraj said that due to bursting crackers, more cases reported of allergic bronchitis, wheezing and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“We will create awareness through jatha. If hey are insistent on bursting crackers, they may go to an open field away from residential areas. In western countries, they burst crackers in designated open fields to avoid causing trouble for people,” he said.
Environmentalist Bhagyalakshmi told TOI that people must completely stop bursting crackers as it will affect the environment and people, especially those with respiratory issues. “Already the Covid has taken the lives of our near and dear ones. Air pollution caused by crackers will affect corona positive persons who have breathing troubles. Instead of bursting crackers, people must light lamps and celebrate,” she said.
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) senior environment officer BM Prakash told TOI the department is planning to hold virtual awareness programmes on the ill effects of bursting crackers. “Bursting crackers causes air pollution and breathing problems to people. As the vaccine for coronavirus is yet to come, it is better to stay safe during this hour of crisis,” he said.