Speak up Mumbai: Citizens still unclear about Supreme Court order on firecrackers

Anti-noise pollution activists and citizens concerned over the sharp increase in air pollution during Diwali, are eagerly waiting to see the impact the recent order of Supreme Court (SC) has on the Diwali festivities in the city this year. The Supreme Court recently, modifying its earlier order, had stated that every state had the liberty to fix a two-hour slot for bursting firecrackers. However, Mumbaikars have complained that they are still unclear about the rules specific to Maharashtra. 

Meanwhile, firecracker traders in Mumbai claimed that this confusion over firecrackers has hit them the hardest as the sales have nose-dived leading to huge losses. In what has raised safety concerns, especially that of children, NGO Awaaz Foundation carried out chemical analysis tests of 36 commonly used fire-crackers and reported that all the fire crackers had hazardous and toxic chemicals, while the NGO has already written to the Chief Minister seeking action. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) claimed that its own chemical analysis reports of firecrackers is awaited after which it will take action based on the findings.

VOICES

We have always been taught in schools that ‘firecrackers cause pollution’. But, it seems that very few took it seriously. I feel the time slot for bursting crackers will help to put a check on pollution. I gave up bursting crackers since my school days. Diwali is not just bursting firecrackers. Instead I have altered to Rangoli making, lantern designing, etc.  
— Avani Dongaokar, Dadar

I definitely respect the SC decision. But sorry to say, I won’t be able to restrict myself in enjoying my dearest festival. Bursting crackers is something which we have been doing since childhood, and it would be unfair to curb our emotions which we nurture in our hearts all year. I would definitely not restrict myself in enjoying the festival. 
— Kush Gala, Thane

I used to enjoy bursting crackers during Diwali until a couple of years ago. But this year onwards I won’t. I am an active member of Children’s Movement for Awareness through my school, and I have learnt about the hazards and drawbacks of firecrackers. I have distributed posters regarding the same which mention child-labour and air pollution amongst the negative points.
— Ojas Kamerkar, Girgaum 

I didn’t know about any ban or restriction until now and nor do I plan on stopping from burning crackers. It is something I and my friends look forward to and we don’t overdo it. The restriction of two hours isn’t an issue at all, as we are out only for an hour or so. While one can understand the concerns over noise and air pollution, the same is caused by air conditioners, refrigerators, vehicles running on diesel and gasoline too and so on. We cannot take merely one factor into account while trying to do good.
— Deep Gandhi, Byculla

I was 10 years old when I stopped playing with firecrackers. I like to celebrate Diwali in a quiet manner and am able to connect more with the rangoli, diyas and the Diwali faral (snacks). Though there are environmental concerns for this choice, my likings and tastes also influence the decision. However, I don’t force my opinion on my young brother, who at times goes with his friends to burst crackers.
— Niranjan Tambe, Goregaon

I will burst crackers as I have been doing since my childhood. I know this contributes to pollution but this is very little compared to other sources of pollution. Bursting crackers and lighting diyas are old traditions. Today, they are saying stop bursting crackers and after some time or say ten years, they will ask ys to stop lighting diyas as it contributes to pollution.
— Nisha Ramakrishanan, Byculla

We never burst crackers. In fact, even our extended family does not burst crackers either. We believe in celebrating a noiseless Diwali which does not include bursting light-only crackers. But that does not mean we do not celebrate the festival. We certainly celebrate and others should do the same. We light-up our house. On Diwali, we perform Lakshmi Puja and get together with our immediate family. We also donate on this day to spread happiness. This is my way of thinking how Diwali should be celebrated.
— Deepak Menghnani, Chembur

I am going to celebrate Diwali by keeping kandeels and diyas but not by bursting crackers. That is the best way of celebrating the festival of lights. There is already too much air pollution and crackers will make things worse. Look at Delhi. The vehicular traffic is already contributing to pollution here and so it’s better to celebrate cracker-less Diwali.
— Vivek Parekh, Matunga

EXPERT SPEAK

MPCB has been testing firecrackers to check noise levels is also monitoring noise levels, air pollution during Diwali. Besides this, one of the crucial initiative since a few years has been active campaigns and awareness drives for kids. We specifically talk about adverse impact of firecrackers on health and environment. We have received phenomenal response as a majority of school children are pledging and saying no to firecrackers. Even traders have said the sales are reducing, which is due to the awareness.  
— Sanjay Bhuskute, spokesperson, MPCB 

A chemical analysis tests of 36 commonly used firecrackers by Awaaz Foundation showed that 14 out of 36 had lead, which was banned by the Supreme Court in July 2017. Lead is rated among the top 10 most dangerous and toxic chemicals by the World Health Organisation (WHO). MPCB has been carrying out chemical analysis tests for the last few years but, unfortunately, has never made its report public. We have written to the CM seeking that crackers which adversely impact health or violate the concept of ‘green’, should not be sold in Maharashtra.
— Sumaira Abdulali, Awaaz Foundation