Jubel D’Cruz’s suggestion to hold eco-friendly Diwali is good. Hindus in U.K. practice this by following local health, safety and fire regulation. In India, following safety measures may be devised now, for next divali and later: educate public to burst crackers strictly in rural and open areas, and at specified times. All those suffering from lung diseases must be asked to remain indoors. Best method would be to record the noise and play it during specific times, thus causing zero pollution. But his pointing at crackers as shortcoming of Hindu festival is unjustified. Pollution is not generated by or specifically related to any Hindu festival only; but is an ongoing/ global problem caused by petrol/ diesel guzzling vehicles all the year round, against which all measures are futile/ failed.
Actually in order to reduce pollution, ban must be enforced all the year round, and not only at certain specific festivals. Ban this year has been flouted as it was announced very late for traders to undertake damage limiting measures. The court’s ban failed to curb import of crackers from neighboring areas where there was no ban.
Ramesh Jhalla
By email
