Inaugurating a campaign to mark "Air Pollution Prevention Month" here on Tuesday, he stressed the importance of a clean environment in maintaining good health.

If the exploitation of resources continued indiscriminately, the world would face the threat of extinction, he said. The smoke emitted by vehicles and factories caused irreparable damage to the environment.

Bursting of firecrackers that produced noise beyond 125 decibels affected the health of people, he said and added that the selling and bursting of such firecrackers had been banned.

G.B. Chebbi, Superintendent of Police, said children should be told about protecting the environment.

K.T. Halaswamy, Regional Transport Officer, spoke about the hazards of air pollution. The smoke from vehicles caused respiratory villages such as asthma and bronchitis, he added.

Thippeswamy, secretary of the district Private Bus Owners' Association, and Mallesh, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, were present.

Air Pollution Prevention Month is being celebrated from November 1 to create awareness about environmental protection among the people. Various competitions are being conducted in this regard.