Say no to crackers, Himachal CM urges children

SHIMLA - Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Friday appealed to children to say no to crackers and celebrate Diwali with lights.

“To prevent pollution and reduce our carbon footprints for a cleaner Himachal, let us spread the light and not smoke. Celebrate a safe and pollution-free Diwali,” Dhumal said in a message in various newspapers.

In an appeal to children, Dhumal said indiscriminate use of crackers alarmingly increases the level of toxic chemicals in the air and noise, which is not only detrimental to the environment but also affects the eyes, throat and respiratory system.

The message was issued by the state pollution control board.