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A plea for deglamourization
The flamboyance on 11th’nov’2015 was no less than any year as the enthusiastic people came out in full spirits all over again to show their machismo through their costliest fireworks and reveling their prestige in the smoky atmosphere. For most people lighting of firecrackers is the highlight of Diwali. Brighter the sparkles, louder the noise the greater the thrill!! In fact to many of us, these aesthetic forms of light seem so appropriate and most essential when celebrating the ‘Festival of Lights’. But little do people realize that in our increasingly populated and polluted cities, the temporary joy of watching the firecrackers is next day replaced by the intense air pollution caused by these. The toxic substances used in the firecrackers release toxic gases that are harmful to the health of all living beings. It is the dread of all the sick and the ailing. The high level of noise generated by the crackers cause immense suffering to birds and animals too.
Amidst the extravaganza of the festival we tend to subsume/undermine the fact that the most fanciful way that we adopt by the use of variety of crackers has an extremely harmful effect on our environment. Sadly, few of us realize that the firecrackers used on Diwali are mostly made by very young children. Since the substances being handled are extremely toxic many of these child laborers get sick and die in their early teenage years.
This monster that has leeched our cities has caused many severe health problems like:
- Irritation of respiratory tract
- Anemia and damage to kidney
- Affects the nervous system
- Its dust and fumes cause metal fume fever
- Reacts violently with moisture and can attack the skin
- Leads to vomiting
- Could lead to mental impairment
- Could lead to coma
An indirect but equally significant impact of Diwali on nature is due to the increased consumption. Since Diwali is also a celebration of abundance and wealth – many people believe that it is a good time to buy. Often, people go out and buy new items even when they don’t need them due to attractive offers.
A point to realize is that all man made items are made out of materials that come from Nature. Be it plastic, metal, paper or cloth – all of these raw materials come directly from nature. Those sources that are non-renewable (cannot be grown back) such as fossil fuels and metal ores get depleted and will one day run out. Depletion of non-renewable natural resources is one of the most significant impacts of consumerism.
Moreover, Diwali may be all about fireworks and fun for people, but it’s not the same for birds and animals. Dogs and cats cower in fear as birds spend a sleepless night on their perches, with some even falling victim to the rockets and air-borne firecrackers. Animals both pet and stray can not bear loud noises and thus tremble with fear, hide under cots and furniture, panic, run away in stress, become afraid to go out too.
“In a bid to avoid any trouble in localities that are packed with apartments, many prefer bursting crackers in open areas near the trees that leave the birds injured or dead. Animal welfare activists who have been fighting against cruelty to animals fear that this year too, fireworks would leave many stray and pet animals and birds dead or mutilated.
This article endeavors to sensitize the readers towards an eco-friendly celebration and to put a halt on their ‘rich’ revelry!