India's Diwali fireworks festival sparks controversy over air pollution

(CLO) As India prepares for the Hindu festival of lights Diwali, controversy has arisen over the worsening of the country's air pollution.

Diwali, celebrated on October 31, is one of the most important events in India to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, and to bring blessings, freedom, and enlightenment. During the festival, people will socialize and exchange gifts with family and friends, set off firecrackers or light oil lamps and candles everywhere to dispel the darkness of the night.

But the annual festival is fraught with concerns about air pollution, as the firecrackers emit toxic fumes that can take days to clean up.

Children light firecrackers during Diwali in India. Photo: AP

The capital New Delhi, one of India's worst air quality cities, is particularly affected by the problem and is often shrouded in a toxic grey smog the day after Diwali.

Authorities there and several other states have banned the use and sale of fireworks since 2017, asking people to opt for alternatives such as environmentally friendly fireworks or light shows.

But the rule is often ignored. Firecrackers can be easily purchased from shops or roadside stalls. Some New Delhi residents say the ban won’t make much of a difference, while others see it as a necessary measure to combat pollution.

New Delhi and several northern Indian cities typically experience extremely high levels of air pollution from October to January, disrupting business and forcing schools and offices to close. To control the smog that blankets the skyline, authorities have shut down construction sites, restricted diesel vehicles and deployed water cannons and smog-busting systems.

This year, thick, toxic smog has begun to blanket New Delhi. On October 30, authorities reported an AQI reading of more than 300, classified as “very poor.”

Some studies estimate that more than a million Indians die each year from diseases related to air pollution. High concentrations of small particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems, including chronic respiratory diseases.

New Delhi’s pollution isn’t just caused by firecrackers. Vehicle emissions, stubble burning in neighboring states, and construction dust are major contributors to the capital’s air pollution. But health experts say the smoke from firecrackers can be more dangerous.

"The smoke produced by firecrackers contains heavy metals like sulphur, lead and toxic gases like carbon monoxide, which are hazardous to the respiratory system," said Arun Kumar Sharma, professor of community medicine at New Delhi Medical College.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/le-hoi-phao-hoa-diwali-o-an-do-gay-tranh-cai-vi-o-nhiem-khong-khi-post319343.html