Firecrackers are a central part of the Diwali celebration for millions of Indian Hindus and this year also no difference for some of the cities. However, for some cities, it is different this year as they banned the use of firecrackers due to the worst pollution levels in the world. Several states in India have imposed restrictions or bans on firecrackers during Diwali 2024 the combat air pollution.
A complete observation in Delhi and Maharastra, Delhi completely banning all types of firecrackers is in place. Maharastra also bans firecrackers except for green crackers during specific hours. It anticipates a certain rise in pollution during the winter season this decision has been taken in many states including Delhi, Maharastra, Haryana, Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Most states on Diwali 2024 permit of bursting of green crackers between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. concerning of air pollution situation.
🚨 Delhi orders complete ban on bursting, selling of firecrackers till January 1, 2025. pic.twitter.com/UMNdYC69te
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) October 15, 2024
Importance of Firecrackers in Diwali
Diwali symbolise the victorious return of Lord Rama, from his 14 years of exile one of the central figures of Hindu mythology and the protagonist of Ramayana, is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Firecrackers hold significance in the celebration of Diwali, the festival of Lights. According to the belief of Hindu Mythology, Firecrackers are believed to symbolise the triumph of good over evil and celebrate Rama’s victory over Ravana and his return to Ayodhya. The lighting of firecrackers represents the joyous welcome of Lord Rama and dispels the darkness and evil forces.
In traditional belief Diwali celebration and the loud sounds of firecrackers are said to ward off negative energies and evil spirits that create an atmosphere of positivity and celebration. However, people with environmental concerns also know the consequences of firecrackers they stated that “Firecrackers damage the environment but they are also bringing good fortune to them. For Indian citizens Diwali celebration is a symbol of joy and celebration and bursting firecrackers is a way to express collective happiness and exuberance. It marks the culmination of Diwali festivities and creates a vibrant and lively atmosphere that brings families and communities together.
Green Firecrackers
Green firecrackers that allowed in some of the cities, it is actually a eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional firecrackers that designed to reduce the environmental and health impacts. that they are developed through using the cleaner raw materaials and advanced technology to lower emission of pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (Nox). This process uses safar chemicals by replacing harmful chemicals like barium nitrate with safer alternatives. Contain additives that suppress dust and reducing noise levels.
Environmental concerns and Shifting practices
In recent years Indian government concerned about environmental pollution and the health impacts that have led to the reevaluation of this tradition. Many people have been now advocates for Eco-friendly celebrations such as using green crackers and focusing on other traditions such as lighting diyas to hold cultural significance. Through understanding the deeper cultural importance of the firecrackers government wants to strike between tradition and sustainability in celebrating Diwali.
On Diwali day Indian people bring large-scale firecrackers that release harmful gases and toxic substances into the atmosphere, loudspeakers, loud noises, dry waste and firecrackers causing several health problems for the children and senior citizens. It significantly increases several issues such as Nausea, mental impairment, breathing issues, Burns, and deafness. Many people also die in explosions in factories that manufacture firecrackers. Firecrackers not only bust during Diwali celebrations but are also displayed often at communal events where people gather to celebrate together. This process fosters unity and strengthens social bonds.
Effects of Fireworks on Environments
During the Diwali celebration, people unknowingly realise harmful gases and toxic substances in the environment by bringing fireworks that contain Sodium, Mercury, Nitrate Nitrite, and Baruim. These substances are widely known as the Air pollutants. During this process, the small RSPM level goes high as small particles are emitted by the bursting of fireworks. RSPM is denoted as Respirable Suspended Particulate Material this is one of the reasons for Air Pollution.
Therefore firecrackers are also the reason for increasing Noise pollution. On Diwali day people use loudspeakers, loud musical instruments and advertisements that cause noise pollution. The noise level during Diwali day goes beyond 125 DB which is as loud as take of during Military jet. The government limits noise levels by 55 DB in the daytime and 45 at night for the residential area. These high noises that are created during Diwali day its very harmful for newborn babies.
Health effects of Fireworks
Happiness in the festival season also brings Dry waste like paper, plastics, and fireworks as well as the massive amount of non-degradable dry waste that is generated in the Diwali celebration. This situation creates major pollution as less space for dumping grounds in major cities. During the Diwali celebration that conducted five days of fireworks handled by kids and the poisonous nature of fireworks, children fell ill. These gasses cause fever and skin irritation, vomiting. Fireworks also lungs, insomnia heart asthma and bronchitis. Many children also witness accidents due to mishandling of fireworks that cause burning and cutting.
Firecrackers effects on Indian cities
Delhi took serious action related to the firecrackers ban other cities imposed prohibitions at certain times or gave permission to brust green crackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee checked air quality beginning a week prior to Dewali and was aware of the panel providing warning of the firecrackers in air quality. Every year a thick haze shrouds the capital just after the Diwali pollution due to the bursting of firecrackers that lead to a sharp dip in the air quality.
It was made worse by the smoke from stubble burning also starting to pick up in the neighboring state making Delhi into a gas chamber that changed the meteorological conditions that exacerbate the crisis. This assessment will be about the period of 15 days before the start of Diwali and after the 7 days of Diwali. This will be effective in giving an indication of the change in pollution levels and different pollutants that get introduced through the firecracker emissions.
The Delhi government on September 9 announced the complete ban on the sale and purchase, of all types of firecrackers including green crackers till January 1 2025. However, this ban was formally notified by the DPCC. The government has had little effect on the ground- a black market forms selling firecrackers unabated across NCR usually by Diwali.
Delhi Pollution level
Delhi’s air quality often deteriorates particularly in the time of winter months. The primary culprit is the combination of factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution construction activities and the burning of crop residue in neighbouring states. Delhi’s air quality index surpasses 400 in many areas marketing it as hazardous. PM 2.5 levels of critical pollutants have reached over 350 pg/m3 exceeding the World Health Organization safe limit more than 20 times. Stubble burning in the nearby states and local emissions from vehicles and construction are the major contributors. The city has implemented emergency measures such as construction bans and the graded response action plan.
FAQ
1.Why are Firecrackers significant in Diwali celebrations?
Firecrackers hold significance in the celebration of Diwali, the festival of Lights. According to the belief of Hindu Mythology, Firecrackers are believed to symbolise the triumph of good over evil and celebrate Rama’s victory over Ravana and his return to Ayodhya.
2. What are green firecrackers?
Green firecrackers that allowed in some of the cities, it is actually a eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional firecrackers that designed to reduce the environmental and health impacts. that they are developed through using the cleaner raw materaials and advanced technology to lower emission of pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (Nox).
3. Why do states ban firecrackers?
On Diwali day Indian people bring large-scale firecrackers that release harmful gases and toxic substances into the atmosphere, loudspeakers, loud noises, dry waste and firecrackers causing several health problems for the children and senior citizens. It significantly increases several issues such as Nausea, mental impairment, breathing issues, Burns, and deafness.
4. How do firecrackers impact air quality?
During the Diwali celebration, people unknowingly realise harmful gases and toxic substances in the environment by bringing fireworks that contain Sodium, Mercury, Nitrate Nitrite, and Baruim. These substances are widely known as the Air pollutants. During this process, the small RSPM level goes high as small particles are emitted by the bursting of fireworks. RSPM is denoted as Respirable Suspended Particulate Material this is one of the reasons for Air Pollution.
5. What is Delhi’s policy on firecrackers in 2024?
The Delhi government on September 9 announced the complete ban on the sale and purchase, of all types of firecrackers including green crackers till January 1 2025. However, this ban was formally notified by the DPCC. The government has had little effect on the ground- a black market forms selling firecrackers unabated across NCR usually by Diwali.
6. What are the health effects of firecrackers?
During the Diwali celebration that conducted five days of fireworks handled by kids and the poisonous nature of fireworks, children fell ill. These gasses cause fever and skin irritation, vomiting. Fireworks also lungs, insomnia heart asthma and bronchitis. Many children also witness accidents due to mishandling of fireworks that cause burning and cutting.