Rising air pollution cause for concern

Burning of tyres in the name of protests are affecting environment

The general public, who have been extending support to the ongoing agitation against releasing water to Tamil Nadu, have expressed their displeasure over burning of tyres, which not only damage the roads but is also a major cause for air pollution.

All roads, including the highways, main roads, small connecting roads in Mandya had turned into pyres on October 6, the day Karnataka bandh was observed.

The 100 ft road, Bangalore-Mysore highway, V V Road became the favourite spots for the agitators to set tyres on fire, which emanated foul smell — spitting poisonous gases into the air. Ironically, it was the youth who were seen involved in such acts.

These spots have become targets for the past 23 days, since the day Cauvery agitation began. The protestors have been burning effigies of leaders and tyres almost every day. Even taluk centres and villages are not spared as the protestors burn tyres on asphalted roads. The tar melts and the road is damaged.

Agitation

Members of the agitating organisations do not realise that they are in fact causing trouble for themselves, lamented one of the residents.

The carbon monoxide released into the air is turning into a bane for the environment and the public find it difficult to drive or walk on such roads.

The black soot of the tyres spreads on the road and the dust rises every time a vehicle passes by and the public invariably inhale it which results in drastic impact on their health.