The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has asked people to celebrate Bhogi in an environment-friendly way by not burning plastics, tyres, and other dangerous materials. Bhogi is celebrated before Pongal and traditionally involves burning old belongings to show renewal. Earlier, natural materials were used that did not harm the environment. But now, many burn tyres, plastic items, rubber tubes, and chemically treated paper. TNPCB said this releases thick black smoke that pollutes the air, causes eye irritation, sneezing, and can disrupt traffic. To keep track, TNPCB will monitor air quality at 15 places in Chennai for 24 hours before, during, and after Bhogi. The data will be shared on the TNPCB website.