Erode Collector appeals for eco-friendly Bhogi celebrations

Collector S. Kandasamy has appealed to the public to celebrate Bhogi in an environment-friendly manner by avoiding the burning of plastics, tyres and other hazardous materials.

In a press release, the Collector said that Bhogi, traditionally celebrated on the eve of the Pongal festival, symbolises hope, renewal and transformation, with people discarding old items and welcoming new beginnings. In earlier times, bonfires were lit using old articles made of natural materials, which did not pollute the atmosphere or harm the environment.

However, in recent years, the practice has undergone a change, with discarded tyres, plastic items and chemically treated papers being burnt during Bhogi, leading to severe air pollution. These activities produce dense black smoke, disrupting aircraft landing and take-off at airports and causing difficulties for motorists on city roads. The resulting air pollution also poses serious health hazards, including eye irritation and respiratory problems, he said.

To curb such practices, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has been creating awareness among the public for the past 21 years through handouts, audio messages and campaigns using autorickshaws. Owing to these sustained efforts, incidents of burning harmful materials have reduced significantly.

With Bhogi 2026 approaching, the TNPCB has intensified awareness campaigns across the district and its surrounding areas to ensure eco-friendly celebrations. The Collector urged the public to cooperate by celebrating Bhogi without burning plastics and to help protect the environment and public health.