GUWAHATI: Gauhati University campus NSS Unit volunteers took an initiative for an eco-friendly and Green Diwali. In this connection a webinar was held and speaking to the volunteers Dr Ranjan Kr Kakati, Director, Students' Welfare, GU and Programme Coordinator, NSS, Gauhati University appealed to the volunteers for celebrating this Diwali to be eco-friendly and for making awareness "Say No to Crackers".
Dr Kakati said crackers contain toxic compounds like copper and cadmium and due to change in the weather these particles mixes with the fog and becomes smog causing asthma attacks, bronchitis, symptoms of allergic rhinitis including running nose and headaches which is very serious matter in this pandemic situation of coronavirus spreading in the society. It is high time people recognized the problem and should build a roadway by which we can make a healthy and balanced environment- said Dr. Kakati.
Speaking on the webinar Nayanika Gogoi, Coordinator, Human Society International, India, Assam Chapter appealed to the volunteers for making awareness for an animal-friendly Diwali and she also said with the bursting of loud firecrackers, the pollution in the country rises to the dangerous level causing discomfort to the elderly people, children and pets. Also, birds and animals suffer the most due to high level of noise generated from firecrackers. Many NSS volunteers raised their voice to make this Diwali celebration healthy and eco-friendly and assure to make awareness for celebrating Diwali with locally made earthenware Diyas and light, a press release said.