City doctors take pledge for pollution-free Diwali

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 22

Doctors of Government Medical College here participated in an awareness rally organised by student volunteers here on Monday.

Appealing to farmers to shun stubble burning, doctors highlighted the ill-effects of burning crop residue on health and environment. They also pledged for a pollution-free Diwali by motivating people to avoid burning fire crackers. The rally was organised under the banner of “Medicos for pollution-free Punjab”. 

Medical experts said air pollution was directly responsible for a number of acute and chronic diseases among humans and some of these ailments could lead to permanent physical, mental and psychological disabilities. DS Bhullar, NSS programme officer, Government Medical College, said, “Respiratory diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, weakening of lung functions and some occupational lung ailments are direct consequences of continuous exposure to air pollution.”