Implement complete ban on firecrackers to save our environment

Implement complete ban on firecrackers to save our environment

India is a secular country in which everyone has the right to celebrate their religious festivals. The festivals   are purely religious matter but we should also know how much they contribute to increase in pollution and its impact on environment. Just couple of days back, we celebrated the festival of Diwali, with lot of fire works. In the process we indirectly violated the fine equilibrium of environment.  No doubt, it has a terrifying impact on our environment. But we are keeping quiet about the awful impact it creates on the environment. It points out to our lack of   social responsibility by remaining a silent spectator.

Pollution is increasing through different sources day by day for which one of the reason is celebration of festivals with fire works. It not only creates air pollution, but also contributes to noise pollution; high energy consumption and excessive consumerism. With the increase in population, the pollution is also increasing in the same manner. In the last year, so much pollution was caused by Diwali festival. The initial data provided by Delhi government from six locations of the city shows that Diwali pollution levels where lesser than the last year. One should not just satisfy with data of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).   If are doing that it is utter foolishness and nothing more. It may be good sign but not a solution. It is only the case of Delhi, but it should be everywhere. Also it should not be a comparison between big or small or residential areas in which pollution levels are ‘severe’ One should see it in terms of its effects on every being of life and nature. Then the question arises in my mind that can we do something to reduce pollution? I strongly feel that we should not escape from our responsibilities.

Let us look what initiative the governments are taking for that. In Delhi, environment department is considering introducing measures to bring down air and noise pollution levels. These include bringing down the permissible decibel levels of firecrackers and banning the use of certain metals in the manufacture of firecrackers. “The norms for regulating firecrackers need to be revisited. The cut off for noise-levels in firecrackers is 145 decibels, which is very high. Under the existing norms, firecrackers can be quiet lethal in terms of noise, that needs to be brought down”, said Environment Secretary Ashwani Kumar. The environment department is also considering other measures, including regulation the use of colorful fireworks, said officials. According to the environment department, therese metals harm the environment. Potassium chlorate, commonly used in Chinese firecrackers, is not only causing high pollution but also a safety hazard, said officials. According to the environment department, use of such metals in firecrackers should be discouraged, if not banned. The central government on 27 October 2015 told the Supreme Court that a complete ban on the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali was not required in the capital, since the existing rules include adequate provisions to make the night peaceful for the people in Delhi and to control the noise levels. So under the current rules, the bursting of firecrackers is prohibited in the capital between 10pm and 6am.

If in the capital of India a complete ban on the bursting of firecrackers could be imposed, then why not in others places or States?  It is not only the matter of capital of India, it should applicable to all places and others States too. Supreme Court Judgment should be applicable everywhere in the country. I don’t understand why decentralization is required for expecting best and effective measures by each and every State under the central government? If we are expecting an effective result through decentralized system then why not State governments strictly obey Supreme Court orders? If other states cannot take initiatives like Delhi then what environment department should do? The solution lies is in our hands.

16.11.2015