This should be an easy catch. What’s the most common sight at protest rallies in Nepal? Yes, burning tyres on the road. Irrespective of the people or organisation calling for blockades or bandhs, this is the only constant. What the perpetrators might not be aware of though are the health consequences of their shenanigans, both to themselves and those living in the vicinity. Tyres are made up of synthetic rubber and petro products consisting of proven carcinogens like benzene and butadiene. Heavy metals like zinc, mercury, lead and chromium also make the mix. When burnt, these harmful chemicals are released into open atmosphere along with their even more dangerous by-product, carbon monoxide gas. The noxious chemicals can result in a number of diseases from minor eye irritation to coughing, asthma and even cancer when inhaled.

Burning tyres was banned by the erstwhile royal government. But following the restoration of democratic rule, it seems there is no one to prevent this act of disrupting and damaging public life. In a democracy, no one has the right to knowingly harm the life of another person. This obnoxious practice should be vehemently discouraged and those engaging in it punished if they don’t mend their ways. It is hard to understand how polluting environment and putting oneself and others at great health risk does any good in solving the problems these protests are supposed to resolve in the first place.