As the festival of lights, Diwali 2024, approaches, the celebratory mood is tinged with a sense of responsibility. Several states across India are taking a firm stand against air and noise pollution by imposing strict regulations on firecrackers.
But what exactly are the measures these states are implementing? Let’s dive into how each state is tackling this issue in hopes of a cleaner, quieter Diwali.
Delhi: A Complete Firecracker Ban Until 2025
The capital city of India, Delhi, faces a serious air pollution crisis every winter. Given the deteriorating air quality during the Diwali season, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has decided to impose a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of firecrackers until January 1, 2025. This ban even extends to online platforms selling firecrackers.
However, not all is lost for fireworks lovers. The government has allowed the use of green crackers, which emit lower levels of pollution, for restricted hours from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali. Special provisions are also made for Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, with adjusted time slots for eco-friendly celebrations.
Why was this decision made? The levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) spike drastically during Diwali, and the ban is an attempt to bring those numbers down and safeguard public health.
Bihar: Firecracker Ban in Major Cities
Unlike Delhi, Bihar has taken an even stricter approach this Diwali. In key cities like Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur, officials have enforced a total ban on firecrackers, including the so-called eco-friendly variants.
This is a significant shift for a state that has seen firecracker-related pollution skyrocket during past Diwali celebrations. The aim is to protect both the environment and public health in a state where air pollution is already a growing concern.
Maharashtra: Vigilant Monitoring of Firework Sales
In Maharashtra, the emphasis is on strict monitoring rather than a complete ban. Only green crackers are allowed, which emit about 30% less pollution than traditional ones. While this sounds promising, illegal firecracker sales continue to pose a challenge, especially from neighboring states with more lenient policies.
In addition to the crackdown on illegal sales, the Mumbai Police have prohibited the use of sky lanterns from October 23 to November 24, citing safety concerns along with pollution issues.
Karnataka: Advocating for Green Crackers
Karnataka has taken a slightly different route by encouraging the use of green crackers. Though no formal ban has been implemented, the state’s Environment Minister has urged residents to limit firecracker use to specific hours: 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali night.
The state is pushing for more awareness on the environmental benefits of green crackers, hoping that voluntary compliance will lead to a reduction in both air and noise pollution during the festive season.
Punjab: Stricter Regulations with Green Crackers
Following the directives of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Punjab has put in place stringent regulations on firecracker usage. The state government allows only green crackers and limits their use to two hours, from 8 PM to 10 PM.
These rules apply not just to Diwali but also to other festivals like Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, reflecting a broader commitment to controlling pollution throughout the year.
What are green crackers? Green crackers are designed to produce less pollution, with a significant reduction in harmful emissions. They’re manufactured to comply with guidelines set by the Supreme Court, focusing on reducing noise levels, toxic emissions, and the release of particulate matter.
Other States Joining the Movement
In addition to these key states, others like West Bengal and Odisha are also stepping up efforts to limit firecracker use. Though specific policies may vary, the overarching goal remains the same: to minimize the environmental impact of Diwali and protect public health.
Did You Know? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to high levels of pollution, such as that caused by firecrackers, can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Greener Diwali
As we approach Diwali 2024, it’s clear that the environmental and health costs of firecrackers have led to significant policy changes across India. Seven states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Bihar, have imposed strict regulations or outright bans on firecrackers, while others advocate for the use of eco-friendly alternatives. The aim is not to dampen the festive spirit but to celebrate Diwali in a way that protects our environment and health for the future.
Will these changes lead to a significant reduction in pollution? Only time will tell, but the shift toward green crackers and limited firework usage is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why have some states banned firecrackers this Diwali?
Several states have banned or restricted firecrackers due to concerns over air and noise pollution, which typically spike during Diwali.
2. What are green crackers?
Green crackers are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional firecrackers, designed to produce lower levels of pollutants.
3. Which states have banned firecrackers for Diwali 2024?
Seven states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Punjab, have imposed various restrictions or outright bans on firecrackers for Diwali 2024.
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