Eco-Friendly Bhogi Urged to Curb Air Pollution
He also advised people not to burn household waste on roads and instead hand it over to municipal garbage collection vehicles
VIJAYAWADA: Calling for a responsible and eco-friendly celebration of Bhogi, Dr P. Krishnayya, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, appealed to people across the state to protect the environment and public health by avoiding the burning of hazardous waste in Bhogi bonfires.
Dr Krishnayya noted that winter conditions already trap dust particles in the air as smog, affecting air quality and health. The situation worsens during Bhogi due to the burning of bonfires and waste, he said. He expressed concern that tyres, plastic items, flex banners, painted furniture and electronic waste are often thrown into the fires, either knowingly or unknowingly.
Burning such materials releases toxic pollutants including dioxins, furans, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury, he explained. These emissions pose serious health risks, triggering respiratory ailments, asthma, allergies, eye and throat irritation, and heart problems and, over time, even increasing the risk of cancer.
Dr Krishnayya urged citizens to burn only dry leaves, firewood or agricultural residues and strictly avoid plastics, rubber, e-waste or chemically coated materials. He also advised people not to burn household waste on roads and instead hand it over to municipal garbage collection vehicles.