Diwali is one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. But the aftermath of the festival proves to be hazardous, especially for the capital city of the country. Even after awareness about the harms of burning fire crackers, people go forth with it, considering it to be a part of their tradition, not realizing?that it is DEEPawali, a festival of lights and not of noise and air pollution.?
We know from the news (and personal experience) that the air quality in Delhi had been worsening since before the festival, what with stubble and illegal garbage dumps burning in NCR, but last night, the city felt like it would choke.
And not just Delhi, worsening of air in different parts of the country, especially North India, due to the bursting of fire crackers is being reported.?
ANI shared pictures of people bursting crackers on Marine Drive on Diwali night. It might seem beautiful but the truth of the matter is, no one cleaned the mess up after their night of festivities.?
ANI tweeted some pictures from Moradabad showing the cracker waste left behind by people. On one hand we talk about Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and being environment friendly on the other we are not only polluting the air more but also littering our environment.
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People shared the PM 2.5 levels from different parts of the country before and during the Diwali night:
All these images have been retweeted by AQI India.
In some places in Delhi NCR, the pollution levels are 16-20 times higher than the safe limit. We are literally breathing poison and it is all the consequence of #crackerwalidiwali that some people seem to be proud to celebrate.
When people are suggested to not do something that harms the environment, especially at a time when we are witnessing the effects of climate change unfold in front of our eyes, it is not an attack on a religion or its tradition. It is simply prioritising what is more important- human life.?