Team Herald

PONDA: The nationwide lockdown to fight COVID-19 has brought a smile on the faces of Ponda residents by giving them some fresh air to breathe as several vehicles have been forced to remain off-road.

The locals claimed that in the past five days they have been able to breathe in fresh air as earlier people were subjected to vehicular and industrial pollution. The lockdown has resulted in a fresh environment with vehicles remaining off-road.

Not only State Highways but also the roads in the town wore a deserted look.

Sandeep Naik said compared to villages, town residents are forced to constantly breathe polluted air due to vehicular movement.

He said according to survey the State has around 14.5 lakh population and imagine how much carbon monoxide if inhaled is injurious to health.

He said, “Vehicles remaining off-road to fight COVID 19 has created a healthy environment, and I suggest that at least once a year we should observed such bandhs to mark Earth Day which will help reduce air pollution.”

The busy village roads too were deserted and pollution was reduced as industries remained shut.

Most industries are located in the villages with villagers from Bhoma and Kundaim complaining about air pollution.