The sparkles from fireworks last a few seconds but the air pollution can linger in our cities for hours.
The festival of light has been transformed so much that the diya has gradually been replaced by candles and candles eventually replaced by electric lamps and glitters. Although we are climbing the ladder of modernization; in this rat race, we don’t realise the grave effect our surroundings are paying for it all. The festival of light and prosperity has now become a festival of noise, hazards, accidents and choked up atmosphere.
Time has changed and it is calling us to change as well. India or the world from years ago is not the same. The environment with various kinds of pollutants in it has become like a ticking time bomb which is ready to explode any day. This is not about any particular religion, it is about every Indian. We light up crackers on every Indian festival, Diwali and even during cricket match wins.
As a responsible generation we should think about preserving our environment so that the generations to come can enjoy and live the way we are living and can work towards a sustainable future. Karishma Goenka, an activist against noise and air pollution recently held a silent march at Worli to increase awareness about the negative effects of crackers and its noise. “I was always fond of bursting crackers, but four years ago after becoming a mother; I couldn’t bear to see my children suffer and be unable to sleep due to the noise and breathing problems from the inhalation of harmful chemicals,” says Karishma.
Crackers create noise pollution upto 170 decibels. It is shocking because the ideal or normal level of sound of firecrackers must be below or around 80 decibels. Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleeping disturbances are the major issues people face and especially senior citizens.
The silent march was held during peak hours, where the message would reach over 5,000 thousand people atleast. “Numerous people encouraged by showing thumbs up. There were toddlers along with their mothers who stood with us and provided great support. People came up interacted and showed immense appreciation to our cause. Pictures, videos have been shared and the power of the social media is aiding enormously.” Karishma and her family have pledged their organs for donations as their way of giving gifts for the larger good and happiness in society during festive times.
The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) – dust, fumes, smoke, and gases – is way above permissible limits in many of our big cities. Air pollution can lead to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and allergies in adults. It can also cause acute respiratory infections in children. Suspended particulate matter can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.
Animals have a far sharper sense of hearing than humans. The noise of crackers has a terrifying effect on them. Firework displays and celebrations bring confusion, anxiety, and fear into the animals, whether they are on the streets, in the farms or as pets in our house.
Another disturbing fact related to fireworks is that more than 80 million children are employed in the firework industry around the world; majority being in India. Asthma and TB is prevalent among 90 per cent of them who are involved in gun powder filling and are directly in contact with the chemical ingredients of crackers. It is time this guilt pricks our conscience to take initiative and make change by telling people in our surroundings.
We are the educated ‘lot’ of the society and yet we are responsible for encouraging such practices. Buying crackers is a waste of money and is harmful for the environment too. Nowadays, Diwali is not a simple festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, rather it has become more of a show of one’s own status and pompous show.
The Delhi government too has resolved to ensure foolproof implementation of the ban on Chinese firecrackers this festive season admitting their sale and use continued in the city despite restrictions.
Some questions of concern that arise but unfortunately go unanswered. Why people let this pollution escalates every year? Why people, who are well aware of the adverse impact for their action, choose to remain oblivious to this grim problem that affects their children and future generation that has no immediate remedy? Is that noise of bursting crackers so pleasing to our ears that we prefer to ignore environment and health? Most of the people are habituated of this act as it has become an annual affair.
It is time for an innovative approach to be applied to reduce the environmental impact of fireworks, so that we can continue to enjoy the excitement of displays for years to come.
