JOIN USThe Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has initiated a slew of measures to dissuade people from using fire crackers this Deepavali.
KSPCB Chairman Vaman Acharya told reporters here on Monday that the Police department has been asked to establish monitoring squads to ensure strict enforcement of the Central Pollution Control Board's instruction on the non-usage of crackers and other sound-making materials from 10 pm to 6 am across the City.
Besides, the KSPCB officials will also collect samples of the cracker packets to see whether or not they contain essential details such as chemical composition and the noise it creates. They will also monitor decibel level of crackers and will be involved in a noise pollution documentation
A public awareness campaign through distribution of pamphlets and posters, radio programmes have also been organised. The KSPCB has also resorted to the social media to create awareness through its Facebook and Twitter pages and blog.
Awareness
A safety kit comprising a CD with information on the harmful effects of bursting crackers such as noise and air pollution, and posters with messages against bursting of crackers have been sent to a number of schools and garment factories in the State.
“We have sent these kits to as many as 5,000 schools in the State, 600 to 700 of which are in the City alone and have also asked them to take an oath not to use fire crackers. As many as 43 offices of 10 garment factories have also been given the kit,” said Nagappa, the KSPCB scientific officer.
Free eye treatment
Dr Bhujang Shetty from Narayana Nethralaya said as many as 200 to 300 people in Bangalore get eye injuries during Deepavali out of which at least 10 lose their vision.
Moreover, he further said as many as 40 per cent injured due to fire crackers are passersby and not those who burst crackers.
“There will be free and 24-hour eye consultation and treatment in our branches during the three days,” Shetty said.