A Green Diwali

Green Diwali

         Let's have a pollution-free Diwali. Let's have a green Diwali."   It's Diwali and along with the sweets and lights, you can expect the sanctimonious green brigade to be out in full force. "Firecrackers are evil. They increase air and noise pollution to unsustainable levels. Firecrackers are insensitive. They make children cry and keep old people awake.

           There is no denying that fireworks are noisy. They cause pollution. They are easy targets because they are visible. There will be accidents. And yet, imagine a Diwali without fireworks. Without sparklers and flower pots and wheels? A 'green' Diwali will be a dark Diwali.

           There is an argument can be made, and probably will, that our country and our cities are heavily polluted, and we cannot afford to add to the high levels of fine particulate matter that infect our cities and towns.

           India is among the world's worst performers when it comes to the overall environment. We rank 125 of 132 countries. Even Pakistan and Bangladesh are less polluted than we are. A study released earlier this year by the environmental research centers of Columbia and Yale showed that India was at the bottom of the heap when it came to air pollution.

           But when it comes to the root causes of pollution, we don't really care, do we? The biggest cause of air pollution in India is the number of automobiles on our roads. But we never see outrage about the way our automobiles destroy our lives. How many initiatives do we see directed towards using less polluting modes of transportation? What do we do about the inevitable honking at every traffic signal and in between?

           Being green is hard, especially if you are from a generation that has grown up with a vehicle in the garage and air-conditioning at home. Being green is hard when your worth is measured by the number of cars you have. And until that sinks in, until the way we live our lives changes, all this talk about 'greening' Diwali is mere posturing.

           Firecrackers contain chemicals like copper, zinc, lead and magnesium which add toxins to thealready polluted atmosphere. Smoke from crackers can cause eye irritations and respiratoryproblems. The noise pollution created by constant bursting of crackers disturbs the peace andcan even cause ear damage.

           Inguries : over 40% of those injured from fireworks are children 14 years of age and younger. Males are injured three times as frequently as females. Boys between the ages of 10 and 14 years have the highest rate  of injury.

           Avoid Firecrackers: While not everyone will be willing to say no to firecrackers, this is one wayto reduce the pollution and other hazards caused by them. Buy crackers that rely more ondisplay and less on noise to create an effect. A lovely burst of showering sparks lighting up thedusk sky can be a treat to watch. Check to see if the noise levels of the crackers are within thelimits set by the Pollution Control Board. Also check to see if child labor has been involved in themanufacturing of these crackers.

            Lets us, this year too, enjoy Diwali with Diya's ( lamp), rangoli, sweets and gifts instead of crackers, and minimize the poisonous effects of crackers and maximize the happiness with earthen lamps 

          Wishing You A Happy and Smokeless Noise Free Pollution Free Diwali.