Effect of Diwali Fireworks on Pollution Levels and Corona Cases
All over India, people eagerly await the arrival of Diwali, or the festival of lights. It is a festival that signifies the victory of good over evil and is characterized by people celebrating this joy with sweets and lighting diyas. A defining characteristic of this festival is the burning of firecrackers of various sorts. These firecrackers, although burned in good spirits, does not hide the fact that they are not beneficial for the environment.
This year, burning these firecrackers may cause more harm than good. It is because of the Delhi pollution level that is worsening with every single day and presently has reached alarmingly high rates. It is not the only problem. As the nation continues to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic, lighting firecrackers may directly correspond to a spike in the cases of those affected by the virus as well as those with various respiratory illnesses. Is there anything we can do about it? Let’s find out step by step
Effect of Firecrackers on Pollution
Pollution due to firecrackers, Credit: Canva
Presently, Delhi’s air quality has reached hazardous levels. Bursting firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali will only make the situation worse. In a short span of time, firecrackers are capable of contaminating large stretches of environment. Various ingredients found in them like metal particles, harsh chemicals, and smoke linger in the air for days and weeks afterwards.
The toxic substances found in these firecrackers never decompose entirely, and instead keep on hanging in the environment. Those who come into contact with them naturally develop all the pollution related illnesses. According to delhi pollution news, if rightful measures are not enforced on the burning of firecrackers then the capital will become a severely dangerous place for people to live in their optimal health.
Effect on Pollution on the Corona Cases
The threat of COVID-19, Credit: Canva
According to studies done in Harvard University, frequently being exposed to polluted air can make people vulnerable to a range of respiratory diseases, especially COVID-19. Approximately 15 % of COVID-19 casualties are occuring due to people coming into contact with air pollution.
New Delhi pollution that is worsening day by day is the primary reason behind the sudden rise in the caseload of corona patients. As you may already be aware of, breathing polluted air directly affects the respiratory capacity of your body. When we talk of COVID-19, we see that it is primarily a respiratory illness. Hence, it needs to be ensured that the problem of air pollution is tackled in the best possible manner.
Guidelines of Delhi Pollution Control Committee for Controlling Pollution During Festivals
Pollution due to firecrackers, Credit: Canva
The DPCC has laid down the following measures in order to combat the problem of air pollution in the city.
Only those firecrackers with reduced emissions and Green Crackers are to be manufactured and sold.
No ecommerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon shall accept orders of firecrackers.
Manufacturers are prohibited from using barium salts in the firecrackers.
On festivals like Diwali and Gurupurab, firecrackers should only be burned from 8:00 PM-10:00 PM. on occasions like New Year’s eve and Christmas, the same is to be done from 11:55 PM-12:30 AM.
The Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, launched the ‘Swachh Delhi’ app to enable citizens take action in the form of complaints regarding garbage, burning of leaves, and other such activities that lead to increase in pollution. As the citizens of India, it is our duty to keep our country clean, green, and healthy, otherwise that time is not far when it will become a breeding ground for all kinds of viruses and illnesses.