Observe eco-friendly Deepavali: DC

Deputy Commissioner P I Sreevidya has called upon the people to observe eco-friendly Deepavali.

"The bursting of crackers leads to sound and air pollution," she added.

She was speaking during at an awareness programme on eco-friendly Deepavali, organised by the district administration and Rajya Vijnana Parishat, at St Michael High School in Madikeri on Saturday.

"One needs to be cautious while bursting crackers. Let us celebrate Deepavali in an eco-friendly manner."

DDPI Macchado said, "It is our responsibility to protect the environment."

The education department has issued guidelines to all the primary and high schools to create awareness among schoolchildren on observing firecracker-free Deepavali during the morning prayers on November 5.

The guidelines said that the teachers should motivate the students and parents to purchase books and clothes instead of crackers. There is a need to create awareness on the ill effects of firecrackers on the environment.

District Environment Officer G R Ganeshan, SP Suman D Pennekar and others were present.