DW BUREAU / chandigarh Preparations are on full swing for Diwali festival which falls on Saturday, November 14. Lights and firecrackers are considered as the integral part of this festival of lights. But keeping in view spread of COVID-19 and rising air pollution level in the city, Education Department is gearing up its Eco Clubs and Environment Committees in the schools to spread the message amongst students and society by organising theme based online/offline competitions such as Essay Writing, Slogan Writing, Poster Making, etc. The emphasis is on celebrating "Pollution Free Diwali" and saying "No To Crackers". The students are being guided not to burn crackers as any laxity on their part can lead to physical injury and fire hazards. The students are being encouraged to follow a list of do's and don'ts to ensure a safe and Happy Diwali for everyone in the City Beautiful. Education Department, Chandigarh Administration reopened schools for Classes IX to XII on November 2, 2020 as per the guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs. The SOPs issued by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare are being followed in all the schools as they are open for the students to attend classes on a voluntary basis and take guidance from the teachers. There are 114 Government schools in Chandigarh with around 5000 teachers working in these schools. Special arrangements have been made like provision of thermal screening and sanitizers at the entry points of school as well as in each classroom, liquid soap and running water in all the toilets, mandatory display of posters on prevention of COVID-19 to sensitize the students, alternative arrangements to biometric attendance, mandatory wearing of masks, following social distancing and installation and use of Arogya Setu App. (editor@dailyworld.in)