This Diwali, Look Around

Image courtesy: Living Hours

Fellow Earthians,

In 2018, a study was conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board, Regional Directorate, Bhopal to monitor the ambient air quality and noise levels in Bhopal during Diwali. The study observed '...smoke emitted by the burning of fire crackers on Diwali augments the level of gases and pollutants in the air there by adding to air pollution...' (To read the full report, click here.)

We are now a year wiser, but have we changed? Within the next few hours, you will be faced with a choice - you will be handed firecrackers and be expected to burst them. Children will look at you expectantly, your friends will dare you, and your neighbours will urge you to light them aflame, but the choice will remain yours. And when you do choose, keep in mind:

The Backstory

Image courtesy: Reuters

When one buys crackers, they support child labour. Despite child labour being banned, the firecracker industry still employs children whose small, nimble fingers give them an advantage in making crackers. These children are subjected to hazardous work conditions, including direct exposure to sulphur and gunpowder. With no safety measures in place, these children suffer from scaling of skin, declining mental health, and lung diseases, to name a few.

When you burn a cracker this Diwali, keep in mind you are also burning a child's future.

Your Pet Loves You

Image courtesy: Dogster

Most pet-owners claim their pets are family. It's funny how many of them forget that during Diwali. Dogs and cats tend to get confused when they see lights and sounds change in their immediate surroundings. They spend these two days terrified and miserable.

You owe your pet a calm and peaceful Diwali.

Fire Burns

Image courtesy: Dailyhunt

Burning crackers is basically playing with fire. All it takes for a fire accident is a small spark. More often than not, crackers are burst by people wearing synthetic clothes with not a bucket of water or sand in sight. Then there is the hazard of unburnt crackers that are prone to sudden explosions.

Is fun at the cost of lives worth it?

The Environment is Harmed

Image courtesy: Timescontent

We are in the endgame now. Our planet is precariously perched - with climate change, global warming, extinction and pollution being major issues, our every decision will be a make-or-break one. First of all, there is the issue of the smog. Smoke from bursting crackers along with pre-winter fog is extremely harmful for you and your family.

Bursting crackers is something anyone can do, but how many ever clean up afterwards? Burnt crackers strewn across roads are a major cause of land pollution.

If you don't own the land and air, you have no right to pollute them.

The Reason We Celebrate Diwali

Image courtesy: Times of India

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated to mark the return of Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile, and vanquishing Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by distributing sweets and lighting diyas. There is no mention of bursting crackers in the Ramayana, or any of the holy scriptures. Our culture has always believed in peace, and has discouraged practices harmful to health and the environment.

Bursting crackers is not tradition. It's not culture. Don't use religion as an excuse.

Look around yourself. You are wise enough to make the right decision, aren't you?