Diwali is that time of the year where people decorate their homes, flaunt their new attire, exchange greetings, and Diwali gifts in Indore. However, the commemorations are deemed half-done in the absence of fireworks. However, can we not do it from now onwards and preserve our environment?
Diwali, without fireworks, is regarded unfinished. Our planet is already suffering from numerous human-made issues, and during Diwali, the firecrackers add more pressure on our already stressed environment. We are confident that multiple people would ask the question of why there is so much anger, or rather a request, particularly during Diwali. However, here are some reasons that would persuade you to refrain from bursting firecrackers from now on.
- Smog – The unrelenting winter season is about to begin, but we already see signs that the air is filled with smog. Grainy material infused with smoke from vehicles is already strangling the environment. During the festive season, the pollution level rise by more than 30% because of bursting firecrackers. Indeed, you would want to celebrate Diwali relishing Diwali cakes and sweets and not by suffocating yourself and others.
- Fire accidents – Fire mishaps are quite typical in firecracker markets, be it any part of the world. A tiny spark is sufficient to set aflame an entire area. These misfortunes can sometimes destroy properties and take away lives as well. So, why take such risks?
- Other living beings/pets – You may be savoring your time bursting firecrackers; however, other living creatures exist around you. Often, these creatures are not so privileged and cannot express the way we do, including our pets as well. Dogs often get perplexed, noticing the noise and light varying suddenly in their near surroundings. From now on, let’s pledge not to burst firecrackers and harass the animals around us.
- Garbage – We witness a lot of garbage accumulated around in the form of plastic, paper, etc. after we are content with bursting crackers. Also, there is the non-degradable trash, and as many cities have deficiencies of dumping areas, this trash contaminates the earth. No one would like to witness rubbish all over when they wake up on Diwali’s day. The firecrackers people burst not just befouls by polluting the air but also contaminates our land.
- Child Labour – The tale of numerous child laborers hired in firework industries is not unfamiliar to us. These kids serving in hazardous situations often encounter mishaps, seldom so severe it makes them handicapped for life. Regardless of safety measures, countless fire disasters are recorded each year from various places of the country. The only means to protect these kids is to deny the use of firecrackers! When there is no demand, there will be no supply.
- Crackers affect new-borns, and pregnant women – The unfavorable consequences of bursting firecrackers seem eternal. In numerous articles, doctors state that regular exposure to intense sounds while pregnancy could harm the unborn baby, though it is not verified still. Nevertheless, it certainly influences the mother. The sound from firecrackers can cause tinnitus, which can persist for up to 24 hours or longer depending on the magnitude of and proximity to the firecracker noise. Sound from firecrackers can even put pregnant women under stress and deter them from taking adequate rest.
- Harmful gases in the air – We all know that people of all ages take complete delight when it comes to bursting firecrackers. Yet, while doing so, they are discharging lethal gasses and smoke, which is, in turn, setting more burden on our planet, which is previously aching from human-made trash. Firecrackers usually carry ingredients like cadmium, copper, barium, aluminium, and sulphur to create lively hues once inflamed. The toxic fumes generated from the bursting of firecrackers, like Nitrous Oxide, persist in the atmosphere for an extended time if the area does not receive adequate rain or powerful winds. Breathing the gasses released by firecrackers raise the risks of asthma attack amidst patients. People suffering from heart diseases, low immunity, and chronic bronchitis are at a greater risk as well. So, instead of firecrackers, celebrate the festival by gifting Diwali flowers to one another, and plant more trees.
- Noise Pollution – Indeed, fireworks did not exist in the festivals’ initial days since there is no remark of it in any Hindu sacred manuscript. Firecrackers were a Chinese discovery done approximately 600-900AD. However, it was lovingly combined into holy festivals in the later period. Firecrackers create substantial sound pollution, not just that, loudspeakers and musical instruments on high volumes supplement the issues. The state permits noise levels of up to 55dB during the day and 45dB during the night. Yet, during the festive season, it often exceeds 125dB, which is remarkably severe and can cause critical health issues.
