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.

A first-year LLB student was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting his classmate after barging into her house in a Noida housing society with his associates, officials said.

The incident took place in the housing society in Sector 137, under Sector 142 police station limits, on Monday, a day after an argument broke out between them, the police said.

Both the key accused and the complainant study in the same college in Noida, Additional Deputy Commissioner Of Police (Central Noida) Hridhesh Katheria said.

“An FIR was lodged at the local police station after a written complaint. The accused studies in the same class as the complainant. On October 29, the accused misbehaved with her and in the morning the next day, he reached her house in the society along with his associates where they argued with, and assaulted her,” Mr Katheria said.

“The key accused, who has been identified as Tanvir Ahmed, was arrested today and has been produced before a local court,” the officer said.

Besides Ahmed, around 10 people, some of them unidentified, have been charged by the police, who said efforts are on to arrest them as well. Ahmed lives in Delhi’s Kalkaji Extension.

The FIR in the case has been lodged under Indian Penal Code sections 354 (sexual harassment), 147, 149 (both related to rioting), 323 (assault), 504 (provocation for breach of peace), 452 (trespassing) and 506 (criminal intimidation), the police said.

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.