AN APPEAL FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE DIWALI
Diwali a festival of lights is being celebrated by lighting fire crackers. The air also becomes filled with smoke from the firecrackers, which can add to breathing difficulties. The sound and smoke emitted from the crackers not only pollute the atmosphere and pose a threat to the lives of asthmatics, heart patients and aged people but are also stressful for animals. Carelessly lit crackers can also cause very grievous fire accidents. Therefore, the Director, Department of Environment, Government of Tamil Nadu appeals to the general public to celebrate a pollution and accident free Diwali this year by following simple steps such as:
v Avoid crackers that produce excessive noise or smoke.
v Do not light crackers between 10 PM and 6 AM.
v Avoid lighting fire crackers in areas which have thatched roofs and other easily flammable material. Light crackers preferably in open areas/play ground.
v Store crackers away from sources of fire or ignition also keep them away from the reach of children.
v Make sure children light crackers under adult supervision
v Take care and light crackers at arms length.
v Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water. In this manner you can avoid people from stepping on to and hurting their feet from used fireworks, which are thrown on the ground.
v Do not light crackers around hospitals, schools etc. to avoid disturbance
v Wear heavier cotton clothes while lighting crackers so as to ensure maximum safety from fire.
v Keep a wet towel ready to cover your exposed parts when some crackers may accidentally burst. Keep water and sand in buckets to extinguish accidental fire.
v Don’t cover crackers with tin containers or glass bottles for extra sound effect.
v Make sure to clean that area the very next day and throw the garbage in the allocated space.
v And last, but not least, remember that diwali is a festival to be enjoyed by all. So, celebrate in a manner that does not cause inconvenience or harm to your neighbour.
Celebrate an Environment safe diwali!
Lets fill our homes with prayers &
Light not with fumes & crackers!!
Dr.H.Malleshappa, I.F.S.,
Director
Department of Environment