By Ahmed Kaigama

The Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) has banned use of tyres to burn hides and skin during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Its Director-General, Dr Mahmud Bose, who spoke on Wednesday in Bauchi. said the measure would safeguard public health and the environment.

He said the use of tyres to burn hides caused severe health hazards and environmental degradation.

According to Bose, using tyres to burn animal skin releases toxic fumes containing harmful chemicals such as dioxin and furan that pose risks to respiratory health and ecological systems.

“We are committed to protecting the lives of the people and the integrity of the environment. Using tyres to process animal skin is a dangerous practice that must be stopped.

“The ban is part of a broader campaign to instil sustainable environmental habits during cultural and religious festivities,’’ he said.

Bose said the agency had engaged stakeholders and community leaders, as part of  effort to curb the menace in the society.

He said the agency had deployed environmental health workers to communities, to promote compliance and safe practices.

“These teams are tasked with sensitising residents to proper methods for meat processing and safe disposal of animal excretions, to maintain hygienic surroundings during and after the celebrations,” he said.

The director urged residents of the state to support the agency, adopt safer alternatives, and avoid littering, stressing that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

He reiterated commitment to enforce environmental regulations and support community awareness initiatives during the festive period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rabiu Sani-Ali