Balancing Tradition and Pollution: On Green Firecrackers

Delhi may be gasping for air with the air quality index (AQI) touching the 290 mark, or the ‘very unhealthy’ category, as per the Early Warning System (EWS), even before the Diwali celebrations peak, but there is no stopping the bursting of crackers, albeit ‘green’ ones. Lifting the blanket ban on fireworks imposed by the previous Arvind Kejriwal government, the Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the sale and bursting of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) from October 18 to the 21st on the condition that people burst only green or eco-friendly crackers with QR codes approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), and that too strictly between 6 pm and 10 pm during the allotted window. Several lawmakers from the national capital have welcomed the nod of the apex court, though a regulated one, striking a balance between the centuries-old practice of bursting crackers rooted in both religious and cultural beliefs and concerns of severe air and noise pollution which could pose health risks to people with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, pregnant women and children. The blanket ban may have only limited success, but its positive impact can’t be denied either. A survey conducted on citizens of Delhi-NCR last year revealed that a majority of the respondents expressed their desire to burn crackers on Diwali, citing pollution. In the meantime, it is impossible to abruptly stop the decades-old tradition. Hence, the apex court has taken the middle path. Nothing to be celebrated or frowned about.

The issue of air and noise pollution during the festive season is not limited to the national capital and other metropolitan cities. Ironically, smaller towns like Dimapur and Kohima have begun to adopt the trend of setting off fireworks during festivals such as Diwali, Christmas, and New Year, whereas significant awareness campaigns have led to a reduction in this practice in larger cities. Every year, Dimapur police issue an advisory ahead of the festive season, from the eve of the festival of light till New Year, highlighting restricted sale through licensed traders, approved crackers (green) and time windows. Crackers exceeding a certain noise level are also prohibited. It looks good on the paper but goes up in smoke on the ground. We can already hear the sound of firecrackers even before the Diwali celebrations have begun and the police issue the directives. The question of whether Diwali, Christmas, and New Year celebrations are "green" is likely to remain unanswered for a considerable time. What is required is stringent implementation of pre-emptive measures issued by the relevant authorities, along with the promotion of alternative practices for illuminating homes and neighbourhoods using decorative LED lights, diyas, candles, etc. It will not only reduce air and noise pollution but also prevent injuries and incidents related to fireworks, including fatal ones.