Students at an awareness programme jointly organised by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Chennai School at Maduvankarai near Guindy took a pledge on Thursday to strive for a smoke-free Bhogi.
Environment Minister Thoppu N.D. Venkatachalam, who presided over the function, read out the oath.. The Minister urged students to plant saplings at their homes. He said the Corporation should plant saplings in school.
Mayor Saidai Duraisamy asked students to ensure that their neighbours, friends and families do not burn tyres or old things and instead recycle and reuse.
Environment Secretary Mohan Verghese Chunkat sought the cooperation of students to reduce pollution. TNPCB chairman D. Karthikeyan said pollution levels during Bhogi had considerably reduced over the years due to awareness programmes. Saidapet MLA G. Senthamizhan, TNPCB Member Secretary A.V. Venkatachalam and Director of Environment H. Malleshappa were also present.