Will Crackerless Diwali Sweep Away Delhi's Toxic Air?
India is decked up for Diwali today. The brightness of
this festival is unparalleled. Preparations for this grand occasion commence
many weeks beforehand. This is followed by frenzied activities leading to the
grand finale. The outcome is phenomenal. With residences, commercial buildings,
markets, streets etc. decorated with multi-coloured lighting, Diwali night is
sparkling with celebrations, social gatherings, customary rituals, worship
& offerings (Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja etc.) and gala events. In short it is
India's biggest festival and celebrated nationally with equal vibrancy.
The above is a summary of what Diwali is all about –
or is it? The above description may be good generally but any Indian, including
kindergarten kids, will easily tell you that all of the above combined would
still not complete the Diwali spirit. So what is missing? Any guesses?
There are no prizes if the answer comes from someone
in Delhi NCR. Yes, it’s the firecrackers!! The display of firecrackers is the
heart and soul of the festival. It is taken for granted that Diwali is for
bursting crackers – they simply go hand in hand. Tonight the world will see the
grandest display of fireworks on any single day. This annual extravaganza is an
extraordinary sight to behold at night.
Over the years, variety of vices have been imputed to
this cultural activity. It all started with concerns of noise pollution leading
to some states banning the louder crackers. This seemed a good initiative,
especially with increasing population the noise was getting somewhat
unbearable. At that time no one would have imagined that a complete ban on
firecrackers could be possible. That has become a reality thanks to the
untenable levels of air pollution in Delhi NCR. Over the years it was observed
that after Diwali, a thick toxic haze engulfed India's capital and surrounding
satellite cities. Environmentalists and the media were quick to point fingers
at the firecrackers. This issue became the focal point every Diwali. A couple
of years ago the haze enveloped before Diwali making the protesters go red in
the face. It was then realized that the main culprit was seasonal stubble
burning by farmers in surrounding areas of Delhi NCR!
This year matters have come to a head. A couple of weeks before Diwali the Supreme Court has put a complete ban on sale and bursting of harmful crackers in Delhi NCR. While it is clear from NASA satellite shots that stubble burning is brazenly on the rise in Punjab & Haryana and there have been days with poor to severe quality of air almost the whole of last week, it is expected that reduction in harmful firecrackers will contribute to cleaner air. I sincerely pray and hope so.
Having said that, my inner self is in constant conflict with the thought that preventable factors are coming in the way of festivities. Banning of firecrackers for one day, which is an eagerly awaited annual celebration, may certainly curtail the air pollution on that night, but what about the daily health hazard resulting from crop burning? Many steps have been taken to tackle the toxic air in Delhi NCR, such as stopping construction activities, mechanical sweeping of roads, sprinkling of water on roads, impounding of overage diesel & petrol vehicles, re-routing trucks through the eastern bypass road etc. These are very heartening and we have had some good days as well.
However, the root cause of the problem, has so far not been adequately addressed. Otherwise why would stubble burning continue unabated despite judicial orders? Is it not logical that if that is resolved, the magnitude of air pollution problem will significantly reduce and we will be permanently rid of inhaling this poisonous air?
Just like bursting crackers are integral to Diwali celebrations, breathing good quality air is integral to our lives. It is clear from the above that a crackerless Diwali will not sweep away Delhi's toxic air. We should actively eradicate the source of the problem, otherwise these one night short term measures will never be effective in the long run.
Wish you and your family a sparkling Diwali!
This year matters have come to a head. A couple of weeks before Diwali the Supreme Court has put a complete ban on sale and bursting of harmful crackers in Delhi NCR. While it is clear from NASA satellite shots that stubble burning is brazenly on the rise in Punjab & Haryana and there have been days with poor to severe quality of air almost the whole of last week, it is expected that reduction in harmful firecrackers will contribute to cleaner air. I sincerely pray and hope so.
Having said that, my inner self is in constant conflict with the thought that preventable factors are coming in the way of festivities. Banning of firecrackers for one day, which is an eagerly awaited annual celebration, may certainly curtail the air pollution on that night, but what about the daily health hazard resulting from crop burning? Many steps have been taken to tackle the toxic air in Delhi NCR, such as stopping construction activities, mechanical sweeping of roads, sprinkling of water on roads, impounding of overage diesel & petrol vehicles, re-routing trucks through the eastern bypass road etc. These are very heartening and we have had some good days as well.
However, the root cause of the problem, has so far not been adequately addressed. Otherwise why would stubble burning continue unabated despite judicial orders? Is it not logical that if that is resolved, the magnitude of air pollution problem will significantly reduce and we will be permanently rid of inhaling this poisonous air?
Just like bursting crackers are integral to Diwali celebrations, breathing good quality air is integral to our lives. It is clear from the above that a crackerless Diwali will not sweep away Delhi's toxic air. We should actively eradicate the source of the problem, otherwise these one night short term measures will never be effective in the long run.
Wish you and your family a sparkling Diwali!
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