APPCB Chairman warns against burning hazardous waste in bonfires

APPCB Chairman Urges Eco-Friendly Bhogi Celebrations

P. Krishnayya, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), urged people to celebrate ‘Bhogi’ in an eco-friendly way. He advised against burning hazardous waste in bonfires.

During winter, dust particles often stay in the air as smog, which can harm public health. The APPCB Chairman explained that burning Bhogi bonfires and waste increases air pollution and worsens air quality in a press statement on Saturday.

Many people, either knowingly or unknowingly, burn items like tyres, plastic, flex banners, painted furniture, and electronic waste during the festival. Burning these materials releases toxic pollutants such as dioxins, furans, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, cadmium, and mercury into the air.

These toxic emissions can pose serious health risks to people of all ages. They may cause or worsen lung diseases, respiratory issues, asthma, allergies, eye irritation, throat itching, heart problems, and may even increase cancer risk over time, he cautioned.

Mr. Krishnayya urged people to use only dry leaves, firewood, or agricultural residues for the festival. He advised against burning old household waste on the roads and suggested handing it over to municipal garbage collection vehicles.