Deepavali - Say No TO Crackers

[Guest guest]

Let us celebrate Deepavali (Diwali) with right spirit & "Say No To Crackers" Deepavali – Deep (light) avali (rows) – means a row of lights that taught us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali was originally celebrated over five days as a festival of lights with rows of diyas on a dark night. Diwali has always been about mithais, new clothes and artistic rangolis… But Today, Diwali means more air, nose, light, land and social pollution due to lots of firecrackers. But, did we know…?

Crackers are made using chemicals like phosphorous, sulphur and potassium chlorate. They may contain as much as 75 per cent potassium nitrate, 10 per cent sulphur and 15 per cent carbon.

'Light' non-noisy crackers like anaars that stay alight longer only yield more toxic gases. When these are burnt, they are converted into chemicals that can choke and harm the earth and our lives.

Noxious gases irritate and harm mucosal linings and the pollution can block our air passages and cause asthma and other respiratory diseases.

The noise causes deafness because crackers often reach sound levels of about 145-160 decibels.

Did we ever stop to think…?

Large amounts of waste get generated including the wrapping paper and plastic besides the poisonous remains of crackers. These will occupy our land dumps for years or if burnt, will add to the noxious emissions.

Old people in the neighbourhood are disturbed and it may even cause a heart attack or aggravate breathlessness.

Children in Sivakasi work day and night under dangerous conditions to make these crackers that you playfully burst and they are often not even given enough food or money. Hundreds of children may be wounded in accidents and explosions in these factories.

The number of fire accidents during Diwali is at an all-time high. Children who are gifted these crackers by doting parents could be blinded or burnt by these dangerous toys.

The Fact ...The Department of Environment, Delhi Government's, "Say No to Crackers" campaign, in different schools of Delhi, resulted in a decline of 20 to 30 per cent of cracker sales in Delhi last year. As a result, Delhi witnessed a cleaner Diwali last year after several years with reduced pollutant gases and less noise.

Festivals are joyous occasions and should be celebrated without harming anyone. This year let us say no to crackers and celebrate Diwali in a traditional manner by lighting lamps.