Chandigarh sunitashastri:In the purview of increasing air pollution and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and festival season, an effort is made by Dr. Suman Mor, Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh and Dr.Ravindra Khaiwal, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh to create awareness among the public by developing an awareness guidebook about the importance of pollution-free and eco-friendly Diwali under national clean air program.Honorable Justice Shri Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chairperson of National Green Tribunal, released the infographic booklet ‘Safe and Eco- friendly Diwali: Promotes Khushhali’. The event was also graced by Justice Jasbir Singh, Justice Pritam Pal, Smt. Urvashi Gulati (IAS), Shri Subodh Aggarwal (IAS) and Prof R.K. Singla, DUI, Panjab University.Justice Shri Adarsh Kumar Goel,during the release,commended the Panjab University and PGIMER, Chandigarh,for timely bringing out the awareness booklet. He emphasized that the Diwali celebration is to spread happiness in his keynote address and not for creating pollution. He mentioned that environmental pollution affects the health of the citizens by adversely affecting the environment. He appraised the booklet content,which focuses on firecrackers pollution and health concerns along with tips for celebrating green and eco-friendly Diwali.
Justice Goel emphasized that having clean air is a fundamental right of every citizen and urged citizens to celebrate the festival of lights so that it doesn’t harm others’ lives. Justice Goel also suggested that in times of COVID-19 pandemic, States could also take initiatives to ban firecrackers in moderately polluted areas for better health and environment. He urged various authorities to circulate this e-booklet at a national scale to create awareness among the general public and motivate them for positive behaviour change for clean air rather than enforcement by law.Justice Jasbir Singh apprised the initiative and stressed that we need to celebrate our festivals in traditional ways as we used to do earlier by taking care of all sections of society and the environment. He highlighted that demanding clean air is an integral part of the fundamental right enshrined in article 21 of India’s Constitution. He added that we should refrain from being a part of events that increase air pollutants beyond prescribed limits”.Justice Pritam Pal mentioned the various initiatives taken by NGT to control air pollution and urged that citizens should come forward and take responsibility to reduce air pollution. Prof R.K. Singla mentioned that the booklet will motivate many citizens across the country to support eco-friendly ways to celebrate Diwali.Dr. Suman Mor emphasized the adverse health impacts of bursting firecrackers, especially for vulnerable populations including the elderly, diseased children, pregnant women,who are at a greater risk. She also raised concern over environmental pollution, impacts on pets/birds/animals, and the risks involved in making and bursting firecrackers.Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal mentioned that this infographic booklet aims to generate awareness among people about the various health effects associated with the bursting of firecrackers, noise pollution, adulterated foods and sweets. He highlighted these steps are being initiated to promote sustainable behaviour practice for better health and environment.
