Use of smoke-emitting firecrackers renews debate over air pollution in Indian capital ahead of Diwali

NEW DELHI (AP) — As India prepares for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, people are divided over whether to celebrate by lighting firecrackers, which worsen the country’s chronic air pollution.

Diwali, which will be celebrated on Thursday, is marked by socializing and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Many Indians light clay oil lamps or candles. But every year the festivities are marred by air pollution concerns, as smoke-emitting firecrackers cause toxic smog that takes days to clear.

The capital New Delhi, one of India’s worst cities for air quality, is particularly affected by the problem and is usually shrouded in toxic gray smog the day after Diwali. Authorities there and some other states have banned the use and sale of firecrackers since 2017, asking people to choose greener options such as eco-friendly firecrackers and light shows, but the rule is often flouted. Firecrackers are easy to buy at roadside stalls and shops.

Some New Delhi residents say the ban doesn’t make much sense, while others see it as a necessary measure to combat pollution.

Vegetable seller Renu, who uses only one name, likes to celebrate Diwali in the city. Every year her children set off firecrackers at night. She tells them to be careful, but not to refrain from using them.

“Diwali is a day of celebration and happiness for us which comes only once a year and I think there should be no ban here,” she said.

Others are against.

Unlike most children, 13-year-old Rouhani Mandal does not light firecrackers. She admits it’s fun, but says it’s dangerous for people and animals.

“I saw firsthand the struggle of my father who lost his sense of smell due to pollution and I see his health deteriorating after Diwali celebrations,” she said.

New Delhi and several northern Indian cities typically experience extremely high levels of air pollution between October and January each year, disrupting businesses and closing schools and offices. Authorities are closing construction sites, restricting diesel-powered vehicles and deploying water cannons and anti-smog cannons to control the haze and smog that blankets the skyline.

This year, thick toxic smog has already started engulfing New Delhi. On Wednesday, authorities reported an AQI of more than 300, which is classified as “very bad.”

Several studies have shown that more than a million Indians die annually from air pollution-related diseases. High levels of fine particulate matter can settle deep in the lungs and cause serious health problems, including chronic respiratory disease.

Troubles in New Delhi are not only related to firecrackers. Vehicle emissions, farm fires in neighboring states and construction dust are the main causes of air pollution in the capital. But health experts say smoke from firecrackers may be more dangerous.

“The smoke produced by firecrackers contains heavy metals such as sulphur, lead and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and heavy metal fumes, which are dangerous to our respiratory system,” said Arun Kumar Sharma, a professor of community medicine at University College New Delhi. Medical sciences.

Meanwhile, authorities in New Delhi narrowly avoided a strict ban on the use of firecrackers to avoid offending millions of Hindus across the country, for whom Diwali is one of the biggest holidays. To get around the ban, many sellers are offering firecrackers online, some with convenient home delivery.

Shop owner Gyanchand Goyal said the ban on firecrackers has put such vendors at a disadvantage and affected their biggest source of income during the festive season.

“The government is imposing restrictions on firecrackers solely to demonstrate its commitment to the environment. Other than that, I don’t think there are any other consequences of this ban,” he said.