India, March 4 -- Sir,

I am writing to express my concern about an ongoing issue in our city, especially during this season. Each year, as Mysuru enters summer after the fall season, our streets and parks are covered with dry leaves, which are often swept into piles by public workers.

However, what follows year after year is troubling: these piles are often set on fire leading to hazardous air pollution and an increased risk of fires, particularly dangerous in this dry weather.

The resulting smoke creates serious air quality problems, affecting the health and well-being of everyone in the community.

Especially people with respiratory issues, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the thick smoke that lingers in the ai...