Go eco-friendly this Diwali, says Pollution Board

15,000 colourful posters to be distributed all over the State

Efforts are being made to sensitise people, particularly the youth, on the need to be eco-friendly. In all 50 giant-sized hoardings, detailing this mantra, are being readied to be installed at vital junctions all over the State.

Bangalore will have eight of them. Each district headquarters will showcase two such hoardings, said a top official.  In addition, 15,000 colourful posters are being distributed all over the State. The posters are being despatched to NGOs, schools and colleges to spread awareness on noise and air pollution prior to the festival.

Noise decibel

A key point in the posters is that noise decibel of crackers should not exceed 125 db. Another venture is a visual documentary in Kannada `Explosion’ will be screened before the festival on Doordarshan and slots are being sought for in other television and radio channels, the official added.

Altogether 50 magic shows, again highlighting the need to keep the environment free of pollution, will be organised by KSPCB in government and private schools in Mysore and Mandya districts.

Noise measurement

In all, 35 sophisticated, noise-level meters will be deployed throughout the State to measure the ambient (or atmospheric) noise level in different parts. Each of these handy meters costs Rs 3.8 lakh.

They have become a  regular feature during Diwali the last few years to keep track of the decibel level created by crackers. The ambient readings during last Diwali taken at different parts of the City were clearly above the permissible limit, said another official. On punitive measures undertaken to prevent its recurrence this year, the official said that it was up to the Centre to announce any action in this connection.