Pune: Around 60,000 students from the city and 50,000 students from Pimpri-Chinchwad resolved to not burn firecrackers following awareness programme conducted by volunteers of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS).

MANS said their volunteers covered 25 Marathi medium schools, six Convent schools, 16 English medium schools, two Urdu schools, two Gujarati schools and two Hindi medium schools from Pune. 

Speaking to Sakal Times, Suresh Sapkal, a member of MANS said, “Since last 15 years we are creating awareness among students about the dangers of burning firecrackers. Students should  understand how crackers are responsible for creating noise and air pollution. Around one lakh students signed letters of commitment stating they will not burn or at least reduce the use of firecrackers and utilise the money for a good purpose.”

Mukulika Thatte, Jnana Prabodhini science teacher said, “Earlier our school used to teach marketing techniques to our students through the sale of less expensive and less polluting firecrackers. However, due to environment concerns we are encouraging our students to sell diyas and lanterns.”