Claps, frowns
MIXED RESPONSE Top court’s curbs on fireworks an effort to curb pollution; includes instituting two-hour window to light fireworks during festivals
NEW DELHI: Diwali, the festival of lights, which is celebrated with a great zeal by millions across the country and abroad as well, is just a few days away, but like last year, there is a kind of Supreme Court ‘dampener’ — although ‘mild’ one — on this year’s festivities too which has evoked a mixed response from people, especially the students whom this School Times correspondent spoke to.
Declining to impose a complete ban on fireworks across the country, this year the apex court has imposed a partial ban on fireworks during the festival, considering widespread concerns about air pollution. It has allowed a small window of two hours, that is between 8 to 10 pm, for bursting crackers on this Diwali — that too only for ‘green crackers’. This has dampened the festive spirit of many people, especially children, but some of them also support the apex court’s decision.
“I strongly appreciate the apex court’s decision to allow people to burst eco-friendly and green fire crackers between 8 to 10 pm only. It is really the best solution for everyone. We can not only maintain our tradition of cel- ebrating Diwali, but also take care of our Mother Earth by following the SC order. Be they children or aged people — everyone will be benefitted. This will bring about awareness among all and will make citizens responsible. Undoubtedly, this decision is aimed at the well-being of everyone”, says Kabir Pahal, a Class 4 student of Swarnprastha Public School in Sonipat, Haryana.
But there are some who don’t agree with the SC decision in toto. They argue that it (the SC order) is fine as far as the health and environment issues are concerned but in the same breath they kind of disapprove it when it comes to the spirit of festivities. “It (the order) against the fundamental right to enjoy,” says Sanchi Verma, a Class 3 student of St. Francis School, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. As to eco-friendly crackers, some are unconvinced about the apex court’s argument. “There is no such things as ecofriendly crackers. So it will be impossible to maintain low or no-pollution level after we burn crackers, even if it is for two hours,” says Sneha, a Class 9 student of St Joseph’s Academy, Savita Vihar. Bursting joints crackers (ladis) affects the lungs, besides causing harm to our eyes and eardrums, adds Sneha.
Kunal Sharma, a Class 9 student of Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, East of Loni Road, is one among them who respect the court verdict but at the same time want to celebrate this festival zealously within the stipulated window. “I love sparklers and rockets very much. But respecting the court’s verdict, I will burst them within a given window. Besides this, I will use more ‘green’ crackers to reduce pollution in the city,” says Kunal.
But there are some who want a complete ban on the use of crackers. They are of the opinion that even this two-hour time period can cause pollution. “The SC decision serves no purpose as you still get to burst crackers and cause pollution, even if it is for two hours. I wanted a complete ban as this year the pollution level is very high. Besides this, I expect tough norms for polluting vehicles which cause high air and noise pollution,” says Rishi Khanna, a Class 12 student of Model School, Vivek Vihar.
Going beyond the court order, a number of students stressed that the government should organise street plays, seminars, workshops, discussion, rallies to create awareness about how we can cut pollution and make the city a green, clean and safe place to live in.