The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore News : TNPCB appeal for pollution-free ‘Bogi’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 12, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

TNPCB appeal for pollution-free ‘Bogi’

Staff Reporter

Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has appealed to the public to refrain from burning old materials and cause pollution in the name of celebrating Bogi, i.e., a day prior to the Pongal festival.

The objective behind Bogi festival was to get rid of old materials so as to begin life with new things when the Tamil month Thai begins. In rural areas, the public used to burn old mats, clothes, broom sticks and agricultural waste and this was not proving to be a problem.

But in urban areas, people are resorting to the practice of burning tyres, rubber, plastic and artificial products thereby causing a thick black smoke.

The smoke often led to breathing problems, itching and even burning sensation in the eyes. It also causes rampant air pollution and the thick envelope of smoke often leads to delay in operation of aircraft and even vehicular traffic on roads.

The TNPCB also pointed out that such a practice of burning old things on the roads was in violation of the law.

The High Court had already banned burning of things other than wood and cow dung.

Those found to be violating the same and causing pollution would be dealt with under the provisions of law.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu