The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Bhogi campaigns do pay off

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 13, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Bhogi campaigns do pay off

Staff Reporter

There has been considerable reduction in pollution levels: official

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) embarked on yet another measure on Thursday to bring down pollution levels during Bhogi (the last day of the Tamil month Margazhi, when old/ scrap items are burnt).

R. Vaidyalingam, Minister for Environment and Forests, flagged off several vehicles carrying messages on pollution. The message: Let's celebrate a smokeless Bhogi.

In other developments, 20 teams comprising representatives of the TNPCB, Chennai Corporation and city police monitored pollution levels around the city on Thursday. Officials said the mobile teams would keep a watch on Friday, too.

"We have been requesting the public to refrain from burning rubber tyres and plastics on Bhogi day. Messages on the consequences of burning such material have also been circulated as pamphlets. The teams will be on rounds from 6 p.m. on Thursday to 8 a.m. on Friday," said Mr. Vaidyalingam.

Awareness campaigns have been launched in neighbouring districts as well.

Those found burning toxic material would be warned by the police, he added.

"As a result of such campaigns organised before Pongal every year, there has been a considerable reduction in pollution levels," said T. Sekar, member secretary, TNPCB.

School students addressed

The Environment department is also reaching out through schools for cooperation. "We contacted the heads of schools in all four zones of the city, asking them to address students on the hazards of pollution.

Students will carry the message home, and this, we think will help us celebrate a smoke-free Bhogi," said D. Rajendran, Chief Educational Officer.

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