DNA Edit: Cracker of an idea

The term ‘green crackers’ may appear to be an oxymoron to many, but they may be a reality by next Diwali if scientists are able to come up with pollution-free firecrackers. The novel idea, which is the brainchild of Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, will put an end to a debate that has unfortunately polarised the country on communal lines, following the Supreme Court ban on sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

Sivakashi, the hub of crackers, is geared up to face the challenge of innovation. Pollution concerns were threatening to put manufacturers and workers out of business. The need for environment-friendly crackers has been growing for some time now. In August, a division bench of the Supreme Court banned five toxic substances — antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead, from firecrackers. Regardless of what critics say, people have begun realising that the ill-effects of air and sound pollution will haunt them long after a couple of days of revelry. This realisation has been the trigger for Dr Harsh Vardhan to find a solution that doesn’t dampen the Diwali spirit and yet address a serious public health issue.

The government’s support in research and development would be crucial for the manufacturers. A smokeless, noiseless festival of lights benefits all. Lest, we forget, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called air pollution one of the biggest killers. The latest urban air quality database reveals that 98 per cent of cities in low and middle-income countries with more than 100,000 inhabitants do not meet WHO air-quality guidelines. Now is the time to act collectively. A complete ban on firecrackers will needlessly create hostilities. Celebrating Diwali responsibly surely has its perks.