When Government’s Eco Claims Went Up in Smoke (N)

The Tribune (Chandigarh) , Thursday, November 03, 2011
Correspondent : Umesh Dewan & Gurdeep Singh Mann
Tall claims of the state government’s concern about the environment and earnest efforts to bring down the air pollution level in the state were exposed at the inaugural function of the second edition of the Kabaddi World Cup. The function witnessed bursting of crackers three times during yesterday’s show. The inaugural ceremony, arrival of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal and Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan was marked by a glittering display of fireworks and bursting of crackers.

The duration of the fireworks show was restricted to just a few minutes but it was obvious that the firecrackers burst during the inaugural ceremony polluted the atmosphere in Bathinda city. All through the programme, The Tribune team observed that the fumes from crackers affected those who were standing on the rooftops of nearby houses and the spectators at the opening ceremony. Furthermore, with a view to making it a surprise, the organisers burst crackers from random directions which resulted in the smoke covering even the VVIP gallery section.

Before Diwali, it was the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman K.S. Pannu, who had taken an initiative by sending a letter to the SGPC, requesting it to replace the traditional firework display with an alternative. Pannu’s contention was that besides affecting the health of the devotees, the fireworks show could adversely affect the buildings of the historical Harmandar Sahib Complex. Subsequently, the SGPC reduced the duration of the fireworks show from 30 minutes to 15 minutes this Diwali. The PPCB, which directly comes under the purview of the state government, had not only requested the SGPC to replace the bursting of crackers but had also launched a campaign to spread awareness among the masses to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali by not bursting crackers at all.

“It is surprising that the PPCB did not issue any advisory pertaining to the bursting of crackers at the inaugural ceremony of the Kabaddi World Cup,” said several environmentalists. Since the PPCB chairman, K.S. Pannu, is out of country, the Board Member Secretary, Dr. Babu Ram, when contacted refused to comment on the matter. Other PPCB officials too expressed their helplessness to make any statement on this issue.

 
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