Why should firecrackers be banned?
 

Practically speaking firecrackers pose tremendous health hazards for humans. That is truer for a country like India which is already grappling with burgeoning pollution that has made the air in most cities virtually poisonous and unfit for breathing. Since Delhi is the worst-case scenario, the beginning had to be made from Delhi. Though we cannot be sure how far and how well the Supreme Court ruling against firecrackers gets implemented in letter and spirit, at least it can be said to be a beginning in the right direction which needs to get implemented in other big cities too, which don’t fare much better than Delhi in any case.

It is pointless to give religious tint to the issue as some sections are trying to do, because historians even go to the extent of saying that firecrackers were never a part of Indian celebrations. Diwali was and is actually a festival of lights just as Holi is a festival of colours. Crackers were only a late injunction to pep up the festivities but they were never much a part of our inherent cultural tradition. We may not delve into the veracity of such claims, but in the present context at least, it is imperative for all of us to take steps towards reducing pollution levels in the air we breathe. It is for our own good. Just the way there are fervent talks of finding out ways to regulate and minimise pollution from vehicles, in the same vein other ways to keep our air clean has also to be explored in the right earnest.

Firecrackers not only release harmful smoke but also cause immense noise pollution that is very obnoxious and unnerving for pets, children and the old. No one thinks of them and their concerns. Apart, crackers also pose fire hazards and thousands every year are left injured or maimed or even dead as a result of accidents related to cracker bursting. Self regulation and civic discipline is an alien concept in our society which is why it becomes important for the courts to chip in and direct the people to adopt the right practices. People are always reluctant to accept change and want status quo of what they are comfortable with. But that’s not the way to progress. Progress of civilisation hinges on our ability to introspect, change and adapt.

The way we have already wrecked irrevocable havoc to our environment due to our greed and ignorance, some drastic measures to cut down on our sumptuous lifestyle have to be taken. The sooner we do it, better we stand a chance to survive!- Window To News