Festivals like Diwali has own uniqueness- “it’s a festival of lights” apart from mythological stories, God’s worship, sweets and gifts what we look forward is crackers!
For most people lighting of firecrackers is the highlight of Diwali. Brighter the sparkles, louder the noise the greater the thrill!! In fact to many of us, these aesthetic forms of light seem so appropriate and most essential when celebrating the 'Festival of Lights'.
But little do people realize that in our increasingly populated and polluted cities, the temporary joy of watching the firecrackers is soon replaced by the intense air pollution caused by these. The toxic substances used in the firecrackers release toxic gases that are harmful to the health of all living beings. The high level of noise generated by the crackers cause immense suffering to birds and animals. The noise from firecrackers has a more deleterious effect on animals who have a more sensitive sense of hearing than humans. Pets such as dogs and cats, as well as stray cattle in and around cities are most affected.
Besides, Diwali crackers are dreaded by the sick and the ailing. Excessive noise pollution caused by crackers lead to hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleeping disturbances. Sudden exposure to loud noise could cause temporary deafness or permanent relative deafness.
Another criticism is that smog caused by firecrackers may be harmful to inhale and can cause difficulty for drivers because of reduced visibility.
Sadly, few of us realise that the firecrackers used on Diwali are mostly made by very young children. Since the substances being handled are extremely toxic many of these child labourers get sick and die in their early teenage years.
Diwali with a difference has been the agenda of various schools for a long time. This year, Students’ Oxygen Movement decided to celebrate Diwali in a distinct way by organizing a Road show spreading out the noble message to all as “ This Diwali say LESS to Crackers”. Students from various Government and Private schools participated in this program. They displayed placards depicting the message of having a less air and noise pollution free Diwali. The students were very enthusiastic regarding this program and they vehemently promised to follow the same principle. The students also raised their voice to make the Diwali green to save the environment from getting polluted by bursting of fire crackers.
If we want to change our world, we should carry out the step, which should be good for our environment as well as our country. Since we ourselves are the only cause of pollution, only we can reduce it. It is we who can change the world and can make it a beautiful and better place to live in.
Students' Oxygen movement View
11/11/2012
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