NT Reporter
Margao
Surgical oncologist and President of BJP’s Medical cell, Dr Shekhar Salkar has appealed to mandals and organisers which prepare Narkasur effigies to avoid using plastic and cling film, warning that burning these materials can release harmful fumes and pose health risks.
Several groups across
the state are engaged in making Narkasur effigies, which are burnt on Diwali eve. Dr Salkar has urged them to use traditional materials such as hay instead
of plastic.
Highlighting the health risks associated with burning plastic, Dr Salkar, who is also Chief of Clinical Services at Manipal Hospitals, said, “Burning plastic can release harmful and toxic fumes into the air we all breathe. And who suffers the most? Our innocent children watching the celebrations from nearby, our elderly parents and grandparents, and those already struggling with respiratory and heart ailments. Our intention is only to create awareness and encourage everyone to think about the health of our families and our community.”
Dr Salkar appealed to Narkasur mandals and organisers to take precautions while burning the effigies. He said, “Let us try to remove plastic and cling film wherever safely possible before burning. Let us keep children and senior citizens away from the smoke. And, going forward, let us return to biodegradable, environment-friendly materials. Our children look up to us. Let us leave them a tradition worth celebrating, an environment worth living in and air that is safe to breathe. We teach our children that Narkasur symbolises the destruction of evil. Let us also teach them that protecting human life, protecting nature and protecting the air we breathe are equally important victories.”
