As the countdown for next week's International Fleet Review (IFR) gets underway, there hasn't been a positive response from industry leaders for a two-day shutdown to keep pollution levels low for a clearer visibility of this major event at sea.

The Indian Navy, the organisers of this event, have been appealing to citizens, non-governmental organisations, school children, taxi unions, industrial establishments, police, transport and civic authorities to co-operate and help bring down atmospheric pollution levels without which the IFR cannot be viewed clearly from the Gateway of India point.

People coming into the city to view the fleet review on February 16 and 17 have been asked to use car pools or buses and trains to bring down the high vehicular pollution that prevails in the city on normal days. The Navy's Clean Air Campaign got many supporters to ensure that vehicles without a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to ply in the city during the event.

The Navy had also requested the residents of Marine Drive, where the International City Parade will take place on February 18, to spruce up their buildings.

With the IFR just a few days away, various authorities of the government, such as the General Administration Department (GAD) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, have officially directed thousands of industrial units and government offices located in and around Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to remain closed.

The bonus holidays to schools and colleges is meant to give students an opportunity to see the Navy's big time show. Whilst the Maharashtra government responded to the appeal from the Indian Navy to close down its offices on February 16 and 17, its directive to industries to close shop has not evoked the same results.

Industry leaders have complained that the two day-holiday followed by Sunday and then two bank holidays for Shivaji Jayanti on Monday and Mahashivratri on Wednesday will affect the industry and the government's finances dearly.

Sharayu Daftary, president, Indian Merchants Chamber, said in a press release, "Industries and all other business activities were already passing through the effects of an acute economic slowdown and the prolonged forced closure of businesses, spanning four now, was unaffordable and would hit all areas of the economy hard."

She asked the government to be more realistic about events, which are ceremonial, and synchronise such events with other holidays. She also appealed to the government to allow all industries, businesses and government offices to function during the period.

Even the the president of the All India Association of Industries, Vijay Kalantri, told Gulf News, "The only decision the government takes is to declare holidays. Since the economy is already going through a recession, I believe trade and industry will not shut down for the occasion."