Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, Nov 11: “Besides controlling air pollution, keeping our environment clean is the prime responsibility of every individual,” said zilla panchayat CEO Prasanna H.

He was speaking after inaugurating the air pollution control month programme held by the transport department at Manipal Regional transport office auditorium on November 10.

He said, “The quality of air in the district is good because of plants and trees in the environment. Protecting them properly is the responsibility of all of us. When we were working in Delhi, the air pollution there was so high that our eyes were burning when we came out of the house. Some people were finding it difficult to breathe. The smoke emitted from the vehicles and the practice of burning trash in Punjab and Haryana are causing it.

“The government has planted more than one crore plants and trees during the month of June. They will help in the control of environment pollution. Air pollution can be controlled by growing plants and trees.

“The rich and the educated are mainly responsible for air pollution. Some educated people at Badagubettu gram panchayat limits in Manipal are burning their trash without giving it to the trash collectors. Some rich people come in their vehicles to the district sports ground in the mornings and are using treadmills in the gyms there. Instead of coming by vehicles if they come walking, the smoke emitted from vehicles can be controlled and air pollution can be reduced,” he said.

District spokesperson Manjunath B said that air pollution has changed the weather and adversely affected our health. “Everybody should come forward to control air pollution and contribute to the environment,” he said.

Regional transport officer P Ravishanker who presided over the programme said that English is being used more than Kannada these days. “It is not right. Hindi language has received eleven Jnanpith awards being presented for works of international standard and Kannada has received eight such awards making Kannada language rich. The pollution index in Delhi has currently crossed 400. It is necessary to be alert that it may not become like it in the district,” he said.

Dentist and head of Bharath Scouts and Guides Udupi unit Dr Vijayendra, coastal bus owners’ association president Raghavendra Bhat, KSRTC Udupi division unit manager Shivarama Nayak and others were present.

Shantaraju welcomed. Vehicle inspector Santhosh Shetty compered the programme. Saraswati proposed a vote of thanks.