Activists want smog tower at Kolhapur archives building

Kolhapur: City-based social activists and history lovers have demanded that an ‘air smog tower' be erected on the premises of the Kolhapur archives building, where ancient records from the past 500-plus years are stored, after a recent air quality test in the area showed findings much higher than normal.The Department of Ecology of Shivaji University conducted the air quality test in the archives building area, following which the demand was put forward before district collector Amol Yedge.A delegation comprising Vaibhavraj Rajebhosale, Rahul Chaudhary and Firoz Sheikh gave a written statement to the collector, saying that a positive decision should be announced on the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on Feb 19.History enthusiast Vaibhavraj Rajebhosale said, "From the point of view of the safety of three crore historical documents, govt should take an immediate decision in this regard. The proposal made by the public works department for the historical paved road, gate and arch in front of the Kolhapur archives department should be presented to the District Planning Committee and approved immediately."Firoz Sheikh, a social activist, said, "The Department of Ecology of Shivaji University conducted a test of the air quality in this area. Its findings are very concerning. Pollution is harming human health. But no one has paid attention to this until now. We hope the public representatives and the district administration will now make the right call."