Deputy Commissioner R. Vishal flagged off the Environment Awareness Jatha as part of the Air Pollution Control Week celebrations organised by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Department of Transport and Bharat Scouts and Guides here on Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vishal said that it was essential for students to learn more about protecting the environment. “Since children are tech-savvy at a young age now, they can use various search engines to gather information about controlling air pollution”, he said.
If any industry was found violating the guidelines on environmental protection issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and enforced by the KSPCB, action would be taken against it after thorough investigation, he said.
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Rajashekhara Puranik, Environment Officer, KSPCB, said that people should opt more for public transport instead of individual vehicles. This would substantially help in curbing air pollution. There was an increase in air pollution as the number of vehicles hitting the road had risen. The release of carbon monoxide by vehicles had a negative impact on the health of the people, he said.
Arun Kumar Singh, Regional Transport Officer, Srikanth Rao, CMC Commissioner, Ramachandra Bairy, District Health and Family Welfare Officer, were present at the event. eom