Another pollution blast on the cards

The Tribune , Friday, October 21, 2005
Correspondent : Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Chandigarh, October 20

The level of noise and air pollution in the city air on the occasion of Divali, the much awaited festival annually, speaks volumes about the inability of the educational and social institutions in motivating people to abstain from the loud noise and the dangerous gas fumes in the air.

Highest air pollution in the city during the previous Divali was recorded at 610 micrograms per cubic metre of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) against the prescribed norm of 200. The highest noise was recorded at more than 112 DBA against the prescribed limit of 45 during the night. In 2003 the highest recording for the SPM was 738 and the highest recorded figure for the noise was 100.

The figures for the previous two years are unanimous in pointing out that the areas with the highest concentration of noise and air pollution were Manimajra and Sector 22. The city’s average pollution level was 570 against the prescribed norm of 200 in 2004 and it was 588 in 2003.

Right from the day of the Dasehra, 20 days before Divali, newspapers and public talks are flooded with messages asking for no crackers on Divali. Crackers on display in various shops all over the city and huge stocks inside their storage godowns are a clear indication that this year is going to be no less noisy.

Despite differences between those celebrating the festival and those opposed to the concept of celebration, the day continues to attract massive public participation, particularly the young.

Maitri, a class IV student, said: “My papa said we should not buy big crackers and I forced him to compromise. We keep on waiting for this day throughout the year.”

Aditya Khanna, a student of BA II, said: “The atmosphere at my home changes at least a week before the festival. My father and his friends have long sessions of talks and game of cards. My mother is busy with her friends and very specially in her shopping. I too get plenty of time to spend with my friends”.

Dr Jitender Sharma, a teacher, said: “I am surprised at the ideas that people have about celebration. Can’t they save the money they burn on crackers to help some deserving people? Contribution towards the relief fund of Kashmir will be a very noble idea this year. The government can start with banning dangerous crackers and try to make the event as symbolic as possible”.

Mr Gaurav Singh, a businessman, said: “I am not sure how the festivity can be controlled with massive public participation and attachment with history. The minimum that can be done is to ensure that dangerous crackers are not allowed to be sold because the ‘ festival bombs’ are getting funnier and stronger each passing year. Parental care is of utmost importance”.

Government hospitals are already at work to prepare for the night duty. A special team is expected on emergency duty on the night because there are a number of burn cases on the occasion.

 
SOURCE : The Tribune, Friday, October 21, 2005
 


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