Patna, Jan 1 : The Pollution Control Board authorities in Bihar are apprehensive over the stance of pavement dwellers, as they burn tyres to keep themselves warm in winter.

Chairman of Bihar Pollution Control Board Subhash Chandra said the Board would organise awareness camp to educate people about the ill effects of such a practice.

"Not only does the practice affect their health but it also pollutes the environment. We at the pollution board appeal to those people not to follow the practice and we will create awareness among these people about the ill effects of that practice. We also organise awareness camp to educate people about the consequences of burning tyres," he said.

Singh added that action would be taken against those who do not abide by the Board''s rules and regulations.

"There are some rules and regulations in place and people who do not abide by those rules, action would be taken against them," he claimed.

On the other hand, the pavement dwellers say that despite knowing the ill effects of burning tyres, they do not have any alternative to beat the cold in winter.

"It is cold in Patna, so we burn tyres to keep ourselves warm. We know that burning tyres is harmful for our health but we do not have any choice. Earlier, the government used to distribute free blankets and wood, but this time we did not get even that," said Umesh Yadav, a pavement dweller. (ANI)