The northern region is dealing with a severe air pollution crisis, which is reportedly caused by factors such as dust, burnings of crops in various states, garbage construction, and existing climatic conditions. This situation has notably detrimental impacts on the health of children, aged citizens and individuals battling respiratory issues. Some of the most prominent pollutants are a result of a longstanding cultural icon – firecrackers, traditionally used to celebrate the festival of Diwali.
The Detrimental Effects of Firecrackers during Diwali
Firecrackers are notorious for containing volatile substances, including but not limited to potassium chlorate, powdered aluminum, magnesium, salts of barium, copper, sodium, lithium, strontium and more. The combustion of such chemicals releases smoke and noise into the environment. This, in turn, creates harmful effects for children, adults and the wildlife, particularly birds. Beyond these considerations, there is also the issue of substantial waste generation after the firecrackers have been ignited.
In response to these alarming environmental concerns, the Ministry launched an initiative known as “Harit-Diwali” in the year 2017-18.
The Harit-Diwali Initiative
The aim of the Harit-Diwali campaign was to reduce the usage of firecrackers during the festive season. This effort saw extensive participation from schoolchildren, especially those involved in eco-clubs. These children pledged to limit the amount of firecrackers they used and also took it upon themselves to discourage their neighbors and friends from doing the same. As part of this intensive endeavor, children were encouraged to observe an eco-friendly Diwali, involving gifting plant saplings along with traditional sweets, and illuminating their homes and school premises with candles and earthen lamps, or ‘diyas’.
In comparison to what occurred post Diwali in 2016, the air quality after Diwali of 2017 did not worsen. This success led to another campaign in the year following.
The Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali and Green Good Deed Movement Connection
Encouraged by previous outcomes, the Ministry devised a similar campaign on a Pan-Indian scale. However, this time, the “Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali” campaign has been combined with the “Green Good Deed” movement. The Ministry invites all educational institutions to participate wholeheartedly in this initiative.
| Year | Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Diwali celebration with firecrackers | Significant air quality deterioration |
| 2017 | “Harit-Diwali” campaign | No worsening of air quality post-Diwali |
| 2018 onwards | “Harit Diwali-Swasth Diwali” and “Green Good Deed” campaigns | Expected improvement in air quality and waste management |
Green Good Deed Movement
Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Green Good Deeds movement is a societal initiative aiming to safeguard the environment and advocate for a healthy lifestyle within the country. It inspires people to commit to at least one ‘Green Good Deed’ every day. Such deeds encompass varied activities like planting trees, conserving water and energy, using public transports more frequently and endorsing ridesharing. Globally acknowledged and applauded, the movement has gotten the green light for inclusion in the official agenda of the forthcoming BRICS Ministerial on Environment in Brazil.
