In the run-up to Diwali, a novel campaign is being launched in 45 schools in the City today (November 2) by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to dissuade children from bursting crackers due to the pollutants they release into the environment. To convey the message in an entertaining manner, three City-based magicians have been roped in for the job. 

Speaking to Metrolife about this unique venture, KSPCB Member Secretary B Venkatesh said, “We are trying this out on a large scale for the first time in the City. An attempt to create awareness among students was tried in one school last year and the success it met with has motivated us to reach across to a huge number of children.”

The professional magicians who will perform are Siddaraju, Niranjan and Keshav Jaadugar. They have been allotted different schools and each show will last between 45–60 minutes.  KSPCB is spending nearly Rs 60,000 for the campaign with the cost per show running to Rs 1,300.

“A talk on the importance of Diwali will be given during each show and this will be followed by a presentation on the pollution that crackers can cause by releasing poisonous gases into the atmosphere,” Venkatesh said.

The schools selected include government and private schools based in the heart of the City as well as outskirts.

Among them are Deepashri High School (Peenya), Ashwini Primary & High School (Laggere), Vivekananda Education Society (Jayanagar), Govt Higher Primary School (R T Nagar), Corporation High School (Basavangudi), Army Public School (Commercial street), Royal Concord International School (Banasvadi Outer ring road)  and Carmel High School (Basaveswaranagar).

A total of 15,000 pamphlets appealing to the public to refrain from bursting crackers will also be distributed from Friday throughout the City as well as other parts of the State. The magicians will distribute the pamphlets among students in the schools they visit. Apart from this, the 11 regional offices of the KSPCB in the City will aid in distribution. Each regional office will be given 250 pamphlets, said PRO T C Saralakumari. The same will be done by the regional offices spread across the State. 

Hoardings will also come up in prominent places in the City before the festival urging the public to avoid crackers.
The venues for them are being finalised in consultation with the information department. Media advertisments will also spread awareness on the pollution that crackers cause. Ambient Air Quality monitoring will be done during the festival.