Dwipanwita or Diwali is a festival of lights. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. There was a time when Dwipanwita or Diwali was celebrated in a very solemn manner with people mostly lighting earthen lamps – "mati-saki" in Assamese – and some fireworks. In some xatras, as in many villages across Assam, there is also a tradition of lighting an "akash-banti" from the day of Kati Bihu till Deepawali. But then, in the past few years, this wonderful festival of lights has been reduced to a festival of pollution, both of air and sound, so much so that even the Supreme Court of India has been compelled to make an intervention and pass directives in the greater public interest. It was on Friday that the apex court had passed a directive that the celebration of Diwali cannot be at the cost of other people's health. It has also been said that nobody can be permitted to infringe the right to health of other people, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, under the guise of celebration, and that nobody can be permitted to play with the life of others, more particularly the senior citizens and the children. The Supreme Court however has clarified that there is no "total ban" on the use of firecrackers and only those crackers containing Barium salts are prohibited. The apex court also warned that no authority can permit any violation of the directions issued by it and to allow banned firecrackers under the guise of celebration. The Supreme Court has also warned the States and Union territories to strictly comply with its order prohibiting the sale, manufacture or use of banned firecrackers ahead of Diwali and warned that the Chief Secretaries, Police Commissioners, SPs, and even OCs of police stations will be personally liable in the event of violations. It is very important to note that the Supreme Court has stated that prima facie it appears that the implementing agencies of the states concerned either lack the desire to implement the directions issued by this Court or they close their eyes for whatever reasons. While the apex court's order came in the wake of an application moved by a minor called Arjun Gopal and two others, the case was argued by the minor boy's father, who also happens to be a senior advocate. It was only recently that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had submitted a report to the Supreme Court confirming the use of barium and other banned chemicals in firecrackers put on sale.
Citizens need to keep in mind that bursting crackers during Diwali increases the concentration of dust and pollutants in the air. After a cracker is burst, the fine dust particles settle on the surrounding surfaces which are packed with chemicals like copper, zinc, sodium, lead, magnesium, cadmium and pollutants like oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. These invisible yet harmful particles affect the environment and in turn, put the health of people at stake. Look at the list of killer chemicals which are used in firecrackers – copper (irritates the respiratory tract), cadmium (which leads to anaemia by reducing the capacity of blood to carry oxygen), zinc (which can cause metal fume fever and induces vomiting), lead (which causes serious damage to the nervous system), magnesium (which causes metal fume fever), and sodium (which is a highly reactive element and causes burns when it is combined with moisture). The possible health risks that occur as a result of bursting firecrackers on the other hand include thick smoke generated even by the little sparklers and flowerpots that can affect the respiratory tract especially of young children and elderly people, and make people's condition much severe who are suffering from colds and allergies. Because of firecrackers, the levels of suspended particulate matter increase. When people are exposed to these pollutant particles, they may suffer from eye, nose, and throat related problems. Noise and air pollution can affect people with disorders related to the heart, respiratory and nervous systems. Radioactive and poisonous elements are used to produce colours when crackers are burst. When these compounds pollute the air, they increase the risk of cancer in people. The harmful fumes of firecrackers can lead to miscarriage, and hence pregnant women face tremendous risk. Given these factors, it is the duty of the government, including the police and local administrations, to ensure that Diwali is celebrated without causing any harm to any individual. As the Supreme Court has said, a celebration of Diwali cannot be at the cost of other people's health.