Varanasi: Activists performs 'asanas' with masks on to draw attention towards air pollution

To draw attention towards high air pollution levels, a group performed "asanas" at the Shivala Ghat here with masks on their faces at an event held on the International Day of Yoga.

All participants had put on masks, not only to prevent themselves from the poor air quality, but also to create awareness among the people, lead campaigner for Climate Agenda Ekta Shekhar told PTI over the phone.

Referring to the scientific claims that Yoga can improve oxygen intake, Shekhar said such an activity will not lead to desired results if the air was polluted.

The event was held simultaneously in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata as well, she said.

"Even science has accepted that different asanas and yoga postures are helpful in developing physical capabilities. But, at a time when entire Uttar Pradesh is reeling under high toxicity in the ambient air, it could be harmful for human body to do Yoga in open air. Without thinking over a permanent solution to air pollution, promotion of Yoga by government seems to be another example of ignorance towards the larger cause and its effects," she said.

Shekhar demanded the government should start implementing a National Clean Air programme as soon as possible.

Renowned doctor and respiratory diseases specialist Dr R N Bajpayee, when contacted said the during Yoga our body absorbs maximum amount of air and harmful particles too enter into lungs and get dissolved into blood and can cause harmful diseases.

"Without raising any question over Yoga, we all must first think that all the activities being performed in polluted air can cause harm to our health and body," the doctor added.