Refer Report
Every year, 1 million Indians die from air pollution-related diseases.
The Associated Press reported on the 31st of last month (local time) that concerns about air pollution have arisen again this year over Diwali, the ‘festival of lights’ celebrated by Hindus.
Diwali is a festival that celebrates ‘light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.’ During Diwali, people celebrate the festival by meeting with family and friends, exchanging gifts and lighting lanterns and candles.
However, numerous fireworks are set off during the festival every year, and it has been pointed out that they have a negative impact on the air and health. Toxic smog fills the air for a few days after Diwali.
In particular, New Delhi, the capital city with the worst air quality in India, is greatly affected by Diwali. Some regions, including New Delhi, have banned the use and sale of firecrackers since 2017 and asked residents to use environmentally friendly lighting, but these are not being followed well, AP reported. Many people are circumventing the ban by selling firecrackers online, but because Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu festivals, authorities are unable to crack down on them strictly.
Opinions are divided even among residents. “There should not be a ban on Diwali because it is a day of celebration and happiness and it only comes once a year,” a woman with children told the AP. One child (13) thought that setting off firecrackers was fun, but dangerous at the same time. “I know that my father lost his sense of smell due to air pollution and how his health has deteriorated since Diwali,” he said.
Air pollution in northern India is at a serious level. Every year, the period from October to January of the following year is considered the worst, and schools and businesses sometimes close during this time. Indian authorities are taking action to close construction sites, restrict diesel vehicle traffic, and take reduction measures.
Causes of worsening air quality include automobile exhaust fumes, dust from construction sites, and slash-and-burn burning in surrounding rural areas. However, it is pointed out that the smoke coming from firecrackers is particularly dangerous. Arun Kumar Sharma, a professor at New Delhi Medical University, explained to the AP, “Firecracker smoke contains sulfur, lead, and carbon monoxide, so it is dangerous to the respiratory system.” It is estimated that more than 1 million Indians die every year from air pollution-related diseases.
According to Indian media such as Hindustan Times, Indian authorities announced that New Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) recorded 330 on this day. This is at the ‘very bad’ level. Authorities in New Delhi have cracked down on the sale and use of firecrackers, but violations have been reported in several districts, the Hindustan Times reported.
Diwali is centered on the day of the new moon in the eighth month of the Hindu calendar and usually lasts for five days. Diwali this year falls between October 31 and November 1.
Source: Korean