Air pollution tends to worsen during festive seasons. This is mainly due to the extensive use of fireworks and firecrackers during these celebrations. Fireworks release various harmful pollutants into the air, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

These pollutants have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. To prevent air pollution from harming us during festivals like Diwali, several measures can be taken. Keep reading as we discuss preventive tips that can help keep you and your family safe from air pollution this festive season.

To prevent air pollution from harming us during festivals like Diwali, several measures can be taken:

1. Stay indoors

Try to limit your time outdoors, especially during peak pollution hours. Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have respiratory issues or are sensitive to pollution.

2. Keep doors and windows closed

Keep your doors and windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering your home. Use air purifiers if available.

3. Avoid exercise outdoors

Avoid jogging or exercising outside when air pollution levels are high. If you must exercise, do so indoors or in a well-ventilated area.

4. Use masks

Wear a high-quality mask whenever you need to go outside, especially during festivities when pollution levels tend to be high. N95 or N99 masks are effective in filtering out harmful pollutants.

5. Limit use of firecrackers

Firecrackers are a major contributor to air pollution during festivals. Minimise their use, or ideally avoid using them altogether to help reduce pollution levels.

6. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives

Choose eco-friendly or noiseless firecrackers if you do decide to celebrate with them. These options produce less smoke and noise, minimising the impact on air quality.

7. Use public transportation or carpool

Reduce vehicular pollution by using public transportation or carpooling with friends and family whenever possible. This can help decrease the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, pollution levels.

8. Plant trees

Participate in tree planting initiatives or support organisations that focus on afforestation. Trees act as natural filters and can help in improving air quality.

9. Use air purifiers

Consider investing in air purifiers for your home. These devices can help remove pollutants from the air indoors and provide cleaner air for your family.

10. Spread awareness

Educate your friends, family, and community about the impacts of air pollution and how to prevent it. Raising awareness can lead to collective efforts to reduce pollution and its harmful effects.

11. Government initiatives

Governments can implement stricter air pollution regulations, enforce emission norms for vehicles, and promote the use of renewable energy sources to curb overall pollution levels during festive seasons.

12. Public awareness

Conducting awareness campaigns to educate people about the harmful effects of air pollution and encouraging them to opt for eco-friendly celebrations.

Following these prevention tips can help you stay healthy during the festive season by minimising your exposure to air pollution. It is important to prioritise your health and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Four people, including three women, were killed while seven suffered injuries when a pick-up van they were travelling in fell into a gorge in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Wednesday evening, police said.

The vehicle, travelling from Lagdhar to Kotli, had 11 occupants at the time of the accident, they said.

Police said the driver lost control over the vehicle near Ghanyara in Kotli, about 26 km from Mandi, adding that the accident took place when they were returning after attending a marriage function.

Three of the dead people were identified as Chinta Devi, Chandra Devi and Mast Ram while one woman is yet to be identified, police said, adding the injured have been referred to Mandi’s Zonal Hospital.

Mandi Assistant Superintendent of Police Sagar Chand said a case of negligent driving, causing hurt and death by negligence has been registered against the vehicle driver under sections 279, 337, 338 and 304 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Further investigation into the matter is underway, he added.

An Ahmedabad-based businessman who embarked on a special unity tour in a cherished UK-made vintage car to mark 76 years of India’s independence back in August has completed his mission to bring the 1950 MG YT back to its birthplace in England.

Daman Thakore, 50, accompanied by his 75-year-old father, 21-year-old daughter and a close-knit group of friends and family covered over 11,000 kilometres across 14 countries to drive up their car named “Lal Pari” to the MG factory in Abingdon, south-east England, on Tuesday.

The tour concluded on National Unity Day, celebrated in India on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, with Thakore handing over a replica of Gujarat’s Statue of Unity to a representative of King Charles III.

“Lal Pari embarked on this journey with the motive of spreading smiles and the message of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam – One World, One Family,” said Thakore.

“A replica of the Statue of Unity travelled with us as a hood ornament made in sterling silver with the Indian and British national flag, which was handed over to Deputy Lieutenant Felicity Dick – a representative of His Majesty the King in Oxfordhsire. The MG factory building there is defunct now but we wanted to make this symbolic stop on Rashtriya Ekta Divas,” he said.

The intrepid traveller said that it was the values of Sardar Patel of self-reliance and confidence that motivated “Team Lal Pari” to continue the extreme journey through the scorching heat of Dubai and Iran, the desert of Iran, a sandstorm and daunting mountainous terrain in Turkey, the canals in Venice, the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland and the serene, beautiful roads of France.

“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the most influential personalities in the history of free India and a symbol of unity who integrated more than 560 princely states into the Union of India within a remarkably short span of time, was one of the motivating factors for the remarkable journey in a 73-year-old classic car from India to London,” added Thakore.

The expedition was symbolically flagged off by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the government of Maharashtra, on Independence Day in August in Mumbai.

Thakore, Managing Partner at Amin Equipment which specialises in large construction equipment, says the road trip is a heartfelt homage to his parents who nurtured his love for adventure through extensive car journeys during Diwali holidays.