The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has taken a proactive step to safeguard air quality by launching a comprehensive awareness campaign on Friday, specifically timed to address pollution concerns during the upcoming Holika Dahan celebrations. This initiative is a direct response to the harmful practice of burning materials such as tyres, rubber, plastic, engine oil, and thermocol, which are commonly used in bonfires and contribute significantly to environmental degradation and public health risks.
Extensive Outreach Across Key Districts
To maximize impact, the campaign is being rolled out across 11 strategically selected districts in Bihar: Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Siwan, Purnia, Biharsharif, Buxar, and Munger. These areas have been identified as high-priority zones due to their population density and historical pollution levels during festive events.
Street Plays as the Core Strategy
The awareness drive relies heavily on street plays, a culturally resonant medium that effectively communicates environmental messages to diverse audiences. Each city will host performances at four different locations daily, ensuring broad coverage and accessibility. The programme is scheduled to run until Sunday, with a total of 156 performances planned over the three-day period.
On the inaugural day alone, 52 sessions were successfully conducted, setting a strong precedent for community engagement. This structured approach aims to educate citizens about the dangers of burning non-biodegradable materials and promote eco-friendly alternatives for Holika Dahan rituals.
By leveraging local art forms, the BSPCB hopes to foster behavioral change and encourage collective responsibility in mitigating air pollution, thereby protecting both the environment and public health during this significant festival.
