SOCIETY

Pyrotechnics less this Diwali, emits less pollution

     New Delhi: The morning after Diwali, a festival of lights was less hazy in national capital as people used lesser firecrackers to celebrate festival night after an appeal by the authorities. The Delhi Government had earlier convened a meeting of Environment Pollution Control authorities, which decided to monitor pollution levels especially during the winter season. The committee appealed to the public to desist from bursting fire crackers. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reportedly also monitors air pollution after Diwali to assess the impact of Diwali crackers on the atmosphere. The campaign to wean people away from bursting crackers on Diwali seems to have borne fruit this year. "As compared to last year, pollution was low this time. After 11 p.m. in the night there were very few crackers bursting. At peak hours of celebration there was pollution, we could see hazy atmosphere inside our homes as well. But the atmosphere is very clear now this morning," said A. Kalia, a resident. Environmentalists feel that bursting of crackers should be totally discouraged as the city's air is already highly polluted due to high incidence of automobiles.
-Oct 29, 2008    

Previous File               Current File