This year the Supreme Court took a bold step by imposing a ban on firecrackers in Delhi. A lot of uproar was raised by traders over the impending economic losses. However, a majority of citizens assert that the move is justified. In fact, the governments of some states are mulling over a similar ban on cracker sales in their respective states.

There is no denying the fact that pollution levels have soared to hazardous levels in the country. The fast pace of industrialization has contributed to an equally fast rise of pollutants in the atmosphere. Pollution has reached to such a perilous level that burning farm stubble and bursting firecrackers have become a major cause of concern in North India so much that a ban needed to be imposed on the latter.

It has been proved that air pollution has far-reaching consequences on health.  The pollutants associated with firecrackers cause breathing trouble. Doctors agree that there is a surge in cases of people suffering from respiratory diseases during Diwali.

Many a times, authorities and citizens have no clue about the chemical composition of firecrackers on sale and the ill effects of their smoke. Although there is a restriction on noise limit, there is no limit on smoke. There is no regulation on heavy metals like cobalt, copper and magnesium which are toxic and are widely used as colouring agents.

It’s not only the humans that are affected by the smoke and sound, but animals and birds too are not spared. One must give a thought to the plight of animals who are terrified by crackers. The loud noise of crackers makes small children as well as elderly people prone to anxiety attacks.

Another reason to say no to crackers is that young children who are involved in making crackers will be relieved. Child labourers have historically been a part of the fireworks industry in India, especially Sivakasi. Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi had said that the industry employs at least one lakh child labourers.A majority of these children were working in the unorganised sector, where small sheds and hazardous working conditions are still prevalent.

After the sound, lights and smoke comes the mess. On the next day of Diwali, people wake up to the sight of cracker debris littered all over the roads.

This article is just to make you aware of the ill effects of pyrotechnics, not to dampen your spirits. So, this Diwali, do have a blast. Opt for eco-friendly crackers that are made from recycled paper. The noise produced by these crackers is also within the decibel limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board.

May the festival of light bring with it sounds of laughter. Let there be the chatter of guests and giggles of children playing and above all, let there be a blast of love and happiness.