By Dr Arun Mitra
On November 8 on Diwali-, we witnessed an alarming deterioration in air quality across several parts of the country, particularly in North India. The already alarming pollution situation worsened considerably, with reports of exceptionally high pollution readings in Delhi. This triggered widespread concern among health-conscious citizens, environmentalists and concerned sections of society about the serious consequences of such toxic air for public health.
Instead of acknowledging the gravity of the situation and announcing concrete measures to protect people, some political leaders chose to defend the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, responding to criticism over post-Diwali pollution, reportedly dismissed concerns by arguing that any increase in pollution was temporary and would disappear on its own. Speaking at a government event in Lucknow, he maintained that people should be allowed to celebrate festivals wholeheartedly and that the pollution caused by firecrackers would eventually dissipate.
Such an argument is not only irresponsible but also reflects a complete disregard for scientific understanding. The fact that pollution may eventually disperse does not make its immediate impact on human health any less dangerous. People suffering from respiratory diseases, heart ailments and other health conditions cannot simply be told to wait until the polluted air clears. This approach appears more like a political gimmick than a serious response to a grave public health crisis, particularly at a time when electoral considerations are increasingly influencing political discourse.
Equally disturbing were the remarks attributed to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He reportedly suggested that smoke from firecrackers used in earlier times helped eliminate germs, insects and pests, particularly during the harvest season. Such a statement is not at all supported by the scientific evidence.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an important indicator of the quality of the air we breathe and the potential risks it poses to human health. Under India’s air-quality classification, an AQI of 0–50 is considered good, while 51–100 is satisfactory. An AQI between 101 and 200 falls under the moderate category, although people with asthma and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may begin to experience discomfort. Between 201 and 300, air quality is classified as poor; between 301 and 400, very poor; and between 401 and 500, severe. One can imagine the state of affairs when the AQI reached up to 3000 in some parts of Delhi on Diwali night.
At these higher levels, the health consequences become increasingly alarming. Prolonged exposure can aggravate respiratory illnesses, increase cardiovascular stress and contribute to serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes. Children, elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable. Even otherwise healthy individuals can suffer adverse effects when exposed to heavily polluted air.
Apart from toxic emissions, firecrackers also generate extremely high levels of noise pollution. This aspect is often ignored during festival celebrations, despite its potentially serious consequences. In India, the prescribed ambient noise limits for residential areas are 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. Industrial and commercial areas have different permissible limits. Firecrackers are subject to separate noise standards, including a prescribed limit of 125 decibels at a distance of four meters under the applicable measurement conditions. However, excessive noise from certain crackers can still create serious disturbances.
Exposure to extremely loud sounds can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage. The consequences include ringing in the ears, discomfort, temporary hearing loss and, in severe cases, permanent deafness. Infants, small children, elderly people and patients are particularly vulnerable. Animals and birds also suffer considerably from sudden and excessive noise. Thus, the bursting of firecrackers is not simply a matter of individual choice or entertainment. Its consequences extend far beyond the person lighting the cracker and affect the entire community.
It is imperative to develop widespread public consciousness about the dangers of air and noise pollution. Several social organisations, environmental groups and concerned citizens are already working in this direction. However, individual awareness and appeals for responsible celebrations cannot be sufficient as long as the large-scale commercial production and marketing of highly polluting firecrackers continue unchecked.
The problem must be addressed at its source. The manufacture, sale and distribution of hazardous firecrackers need strict regulation, and the government must progressively eliminate products that pose serious risks to public health and the environment. Merely appealing to people to exercise restraint while allowing the commercial interests behind this industry to flourish is a fundamentally inadequate approach.
Some people attempt to link the bursting of firecrackers with religious traditions and sentiments. This argument is historically questionable and socially divisive. There is no credible historical basis for claiming that the use of modern gunpowder-based firecrackers was an essential part of the celebrations described in the Ramayana. Religious and cultural festivals have evolved over centuries, and their essential spirit does not depend upon practices that endanger human lives.
Celebrations should promote happiness, harmony, compassion and collective well-being, not expose fellow citizens to toxic air, unbearable noise and avoidable health risks. No religious sentiment should be used to justify practices that endanger the health and lives of others.
The government must take bold initiatives to phase out the manufacture and use of highly polluting and hazardous firecrackers. The commercial interests of manufacturers and traders cannot be allowed to override the fundamental right of citizens to breathe clean air and live in a healthy environment.
We must also remember the workers employed in the firecracker industry. They often work under hazardous conditions and face the constant risk of accidents, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals and occupational diseases. Any policy to phase out this industry must therefore include a just transition for these workers, ensuring alternative employment, social security and rehabilitation. A sustained people’s movement involving trade unions, students, youth, women’s organisations, environmental groups, doctors, scientists and other democratic forces is essential to compel governments to act. Public health must become a collective social and political concern.
The real spirit of a festival lies in bringing happiness to people, not in making them suffer from polluted air and unbearable noise. We must cultivate scientific temper, question harmful practices and distinguish genuine traditions from commercial interests promoted in their name. (IPA Service)
