Give lessons to students on eco-friendly Diwali

In a bid to reduce pollution this year around Diwali, the Delhi government on Wednesday asked the Directorate of Education (DoE) to direct all city schools to sensitise students against burning firecrackers.

The move has come in order to avoid a repeat of 2016 when pollution levels post-Diwali had reached poisonous levels affecting the health of the city.

The government has directed the schools to run a campaign creating awareness among students about the ill-effects of bursting crackers. "All heads of schools must initiate awareness programmes to run anti-firecracker campaign to sensitise students and staff members about the ill-effects of burning firecrackers between the festival of Dusshera and Diwali," the circular issued to school heads said.

Schools have also been asked to circulate among schools information brochure released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding health hazards of firecrackers due to their chemical composition.

"Eco-clubs must take proactive role and responsibility in spreading mass awareness through the students and parents to increase outreach in society to keep the city pollution free during this period," the DoE statement said.