Include fireworks module under environmental studies, directs UGC

Students of all colleges and universities across the country, including higher educational institutions in Tamil Nadu would soon learn about the ill-effects of fireworks as a separate module in the Environmental Studies paper.

In a letter to vice-chancellors of all universities in the country, Prof. Jaspal S. Sandhu, secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC) said that environmentalists and scientists have affirmed in no uncertain terms that a host of factors like uninhibited industrialisation, unchecked urbanisation and fossil fuel emissions have done tremendous damage to the environment, and humankind has to brace for the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

“We know that smoke from fireworks consists mainly of particulate matter that can enter lungs and severely affect people with asthma or multiple chemical sensitivity. At a time when issues of climate change and global warming have captured international attention, we need to do all it takes to educate students about the severity of toxicity of fireworks so as to discourage their use,” Prof. Sandhu said. 

The UGC has asked all universities and colleges to include a module on ill-effects of fireworks in the Environmental Studies paper, which all students need.

Higher education institutions have also been asked to depute student groups and teachers to undertake educative workshops, lectures and presentations in schools and colleges in surrounding areas. 

Madras University vice-chancellor Prof. R. Thandavan said that the university would certainly include the module in Environmental Studies paper from the next academic year. “We will place the UGC’s directive in our board of studies, then in the academic council, Syndicate and Senate to implement it from the next academic year,” he said.