The commissioner for the environment in Anambra, Felix Odimegwu, has urged residents to desist from acts capable of polluting the environment.

Mr Odimegwu, who made the call in a statement in Awka on Thursday, stated that burning tyres and other non-biodegradable materials was unfriendly to the environment.

According to him, the state government has observed that some residents have habitually indulged in unhealthy environmental practices.

”It was worse during the festive season. We are urging the public to desist from this attitude. It is not in our interest,” said Mr Odimegwu.

The commissioner further said toxic pollutants were significantly released into the air whenever non-biodegradable substances such as tyres were burnt.

”Toxic pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter are released into the atmosphere through burning of tyres.

”These compounds are very harmful to not only humans but to plants, animals, and aquatic life. They also harm and deface the environment,” he said.

Mr Odimegwu also said the burning of non-biodegradable materials on tarred roads could hugely affect the durability of such roads.

”When tyres are burnt on tarred roads, the emerging heat causes the binding molecules to disintegrate, thus making the roads go bad.

“We have observed that most of the potholes in the city began from spots where tyres were burnt,” he said.

He said a task force from the ministry had already swung into action to track down those involved in such practices.

”Anybody caught will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.

(NAN)