The GSPCB may do everything possible to monitor pollution levels in Goa during the festive season, but without strict enforcement, its efforts will amount to little more than statistics on paper. The same situation prevails across the country, where caution is thrown to the winds and people go berserk with fireworks, often setting them off anytime and anywhere, particularly in cities like Mumbai.
If we are serious about controlling pollution caused by fireworks, we must address the issue at its roots. Children, whether in schools or elsewhere, need to be made aware of the harmful consequences of bursting fireworks. They must be educated about the impact on the environment, public health and the well-being of others. Unless children themselves begin saying no to fireworks, society will continue to suffer the consequences of this reckless practice. Is anybody listening?Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
