While the air quality in Delhi has worsened, people wish that it will be a smog-free festival
Diwali, the festival of lights is round the corner and so is the fear of pollution in the capital. The cracker ban might have been imposed by the Supreme Court last year, but that did not dampen the spirits of the manufacturers and also the shopkeepers. Despite the ban, crackers were sold during Diwali.
Sensing the festive move in Delhi, it seems that no lessons might have been learnt from last year’s poor air quality days, just after the festival of lights. Just a few weeks before Diwali, the air quality level in the capital city has worsened and the situation is further going to deteriorate in the next few days, according to central government agency SAFAR, which monitors air pollution.
In 2016, the apex court banned the sale of crackers following thick smog in the city, two weeks after Diwali. The court, while imposing the ban said that no new licenses shall be issued for sale and stocking of firecrackers.
However, close to a year later, the apex court removed the ban temporarily saying that a graded and balanced and not radical approach was required to deal with pollution menace in the city. The court said that as more than 50 lakh kg crackers are available for sale, which is more than enough for Diwali, the transport of fireworks into Delhi and the NCR from outside is prohibited.
The apex court had rapped the Delhi government also for its failure to curb the pollution in the city. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has also reviewed the conditions and has requested the people to refrain from the use of crackers.
On Monday, the apex court is going to deliver an important verdict for the sale of crackers on a plea which had asked for the restoration of the earlier order to ban the crackers. A close scrutiny of the situation show that the bans are not effective with crackers being available in the city and even burst at special occasions.
The onus is now on the top court and all eyes are eagerly waiting for a decision to prevent the capital from becoming a gas chamber.
FAILURE OF GOVT
- The apex court had rapped the Delhi government also for its failure to curb the pollution in the city. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has also reviewed the conditions and has requested the people to refrain from the use of crackers.
VOICES
Environmental degradation is at it’s peak during the festival of lights. Government should take measures to stop people from polluting the city. It’s difficult to breathe in Delhi during Diwali and the after effect continues. Last year’s Diwali should have taught some lessons to Delhiites
—Sahil Bhatia, Noida
One should celebrate festivals without causing harm to nature and people. Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated with firecrackers, one should minimise the use of them as much as possible. The new inventions like air purifiers are taking place because of our irresponsibleness towards resources and environment that has been provided us without any cost.
—Priyanka Dada, Vikas Puri
Diwali is my favourite festival and I could never think of celebrating it without fire crackers. I can never forget last Diwali, as I for the very first time I saw the sky full of smog. Life had come to standstill when the smog had engulfed the Capital city. This year, I have plans for a safer and greener Diwali. I hope every one would adopt the same idea.
—Isha Harkawat, Patel Nagar
Diwali was always said to festival of lights and never a festival of noise. Over the years we have celebrated the festival of lights by bursting crackers and polluting the environment. For so many years we never paid attention how bursting crackers would lead to serious air pollution. Now, the nature has come to haunt us, if we don’t act now we will not have any pure to breath in near future
—Mohit Gupta, Janakpuri
Upcoming festival is full of lights and who doesn’t likes burst crackers. Since I have two dogs I am aware that it not only affects humans but also causes trouble to animals and birds. I will only burst crackers that are cleared by government. I would prefer a noise-free Diwali.
—Farhan Islam, Jangpura
Despite of High Court banning the use of firecrackers, people use it, especially during Diwali. Delhi gets highly polluted after every Diwali, in order to prevent the city from such conditions every citizen should take the responsibility. Also, government should take steps like eco-friendly Diwali campaigns to make people understand the importance of saving our environment.
—Syed Jazib Ali, Noida
EXPERT SPEAK
The central pollution control board’s air quality index reading was 397 on the day after Diwali last year and the severity level begins from 400. Firecrackers should be completely banned as the level of pollution they cause to the environment can root life threatening conditions for people. Diwali is the festivals of light not noise and firecrackers, so banning it would not hurt religious sentiments in any way.
—Vivek Kamboj, Environmental activist
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