During the Diwali festival, the skies of Indian cities are usually covered with a thick blanket of toxic smog caused by bursting of firecrackers. While pets and street animals are terrified by the sound of firecrackers, pollution makes breathing difficult for human beings and animals alike. This is something that’s witnessed every year. Requests to curb the use of fireworks in the past fell on deaf ears despite knowing the fact that it emits greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides which contaminate the air, water and soil. People continue to defy the ban imposed by the Supreme Court of India, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and a few states. Efforts to restrict the use of firecrackers are often met with resistance and even taken as an attack on Hinduism though fireworks had nothing to do with Diwali, the festival of light, several decades ago. The link with religion (celebration) is slowly beginning to loosen as people are more concerned about climate change today than a few years ago, thanks to awareness carried out by the governments, environmentalists, organisations and experts. In an attempt to control air and noise pollution, the government of Delhi banned the production, storage, sale, and bursting of firecrackers during Diwali this year; penalising defaulters with a fine or imprisonment. Several states such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu too have taken some measures, either by banning completely in major cities, allowing the sale and use of only green crackers, or limiting the days for fireworks. It may take some time for the general public to give up their old habits but we can expect positive results sooner than later.
In the meantime, bursting of firecrackers has picked up in Nagaland, not only during Diwali but also during big events like the FIFA World Cup, major cricket tournaments, Christmas and New Year as well. You will hear the sound of crackers this festive season, at least till the New Year, irrespective of whether or not the authorities restrict its use. This trend needs to be arrested before we end up polluting our relatively fresh air and environment. If the Hindus can cease the use of firecrackers during Diwali, something they have been practicing for decades together, if not centuries, and turn to diya and candles to celebrate the victory of good over evil, we can surely celebrate Christmas and New Year without polluting the environment. Let us say NO to firecrackers and non-biodegradable materials including plastic items this festive season. Festivities should not put human’s health at risk. Celebrate safe!
