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Ban on firecrackers will help protect vulnerable groups, say health experts
Health experts have supported the ban on firecrackers in Telangana saying the move will go a long way in protecting vulnerable groups including COVID-19 positives from the air pollution which otherwise would have caused.
They feel that the ban on firecrackers will not only save children suffering from asthma and elderly persons suffering from chronic lung diseases but will mitigate potential risks to all.
The Telangana government on Friday banned sale and use of firecrackers. The move came a day after the State High Court directed the government to clampdown on sale and use of firecrackers.
The court gave the directions on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which sought a ban on firecrackers in the larger public interest in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a well-known fact that burning of firecrackers releases copious amounts of harmful chemicals, which have a severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups and such pollutants can further aggravate health conditions of COVID-19 positives staying in home isolation and to protect the vulnerable groups like elderly, children, persons with co-morbidities and others amidst COVID-19 pandemic situation and approaching winter,” said Dr. Sowmya Bondalapati, Consultant Physician, Continental Hospitals
“Avoid crackers – save the mankind and environment. This can be achieved with the involvement of Government authorities and strict actions to be taken against the sale of crackers to curb pollution levels and improve Air Quality Index (AQI),” she said.
“Diwali celebrations leads us into pleasant winter weather. However, the season also brings in risks like increased pollution, causing damage to our lungs and heart. A ban on firecrackers for this year is a welcome move to mitigate potential risks to all,” said Dr. G. Anil Krishna, cardiologist, Medicover Hospitals.
He said at a time when the total number of active coronavirus cases are coming down in the country, negligence during the festive season can reverse the trend.
“We are battling a major crisis that humankind has ever witnessed, and to overcome this problem, certain tough measures are needed. Instead of causing severe damage to ourselves and our neighbours by bursting firecrackers, we can celebrate the festival with lights and sweets to bring joy into lives.
According to Dr Ramana Prasad, Consultant Pulmonologist, KIMS Hospitals avoiding the crackers, staying indoors, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing are the very important precautions to be taken during this Diwali season.
“Children suffering from asthma and elderly persons suffering with chronic lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis and interstitial lung disease are very much prone for exacerbations during Diwali in view of lots of chemicals that are released into the environment. Most of them will experience chest tightness, breathing difficulties, cough, wheezing ,running nose, sneezing and itching and watering of the eyes,” he said.
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.