"The sprinkling system was insufficient and inappropriate, resulting in tremendous air pollution. The level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) appeared to be 10 times higher than the acceptable limit. Not only children and the elderly , but hundreds of vendors who set up stalls at the ground level were also affected. There was rampant use of plastic and thermocol on the mela ground. It is a matter of surprise that there was no check or control though the university campus and surroundings are supposed to be plastic-free zones. The mela ground seemed to be covered with a white sheet of plastic waste, with no measures for proper disposal being adopted," Datta wrote in his complaint.

Stating that open coal-burning fi res harmed the environment, Datta complained of the use of ovens operated by fossil-fuel on the fair ground. He also pointed out how certain generators, banned by the pollution board, was used, creating air and noise pollution. "The `pay-and-use' toilet facility outside was inadequate. Open food stalls were at low heights, and the food could easily be contaminated. Waste material, including plastic, was burnt nearby . Sufficient steps should be taken to arrest the environmental and related hazards at PousMela, which is culturally and historically important," Datta added.