Those bursting crackers should be called ‘anti-national’: Maneka
As the festive season approaches, the debate around firecrackers and their impact on the environment has once again gained momentum. BJP leader Maneka Gandhi has sparked a controversy by calling for a nationwide ban on firecrackers, stating that the primary reason behind air pollution in New Delhi is the bursting of crackers. In a recent statement, Gandhi emphasized that the scale of firecracker bursting is staggering, with people spending a whopping ₹800 crore on crackers in just two nights. The question she posed is a pertinent one: “If you will burst firecrackers worth ₹800 crore in two nights, then what will happen to the air?”
The pollution levels in New Delhi have been a cause for concern for several years now. The city’s air quality indexes often reach hazardous levels, particularly during the winter months when the festive season is in full swing. The bursting of firecrackers is a significant contributor to this problem, releasing toxic pollutants like particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds into the air. These pollutants can have severe health implications, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
Gandhi’s statement has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that a complete ban on firecrackers is not a feasible solution. They contend that firecrackers are an integral part of Indian festivals and culture, and that a ban would be an overreach of government authority. However, Gandhi’s argument is not just about the cultural significance of firecrackers, but about the devastating impact they have on the environment and public health.
The BJP leader’s suggestion that those who burst firecrackers should be branded as “anti-national” is a bold one. The term “anti-national” is often used to describe individuals or groups that pose a threat to national security or sovereignty. In this context, Gandhi is implying that the reckless bursting of firecrackers is a threat to the nation’s well-being and the health of its citizens. This is not an unreasonable argument, given the severe consequences of air pollution on public health and the economy.
The economic costs of air pollution are staggering. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution costs India approximately $80 billion annually. This includes the cost of healthcare, lost productivity, and other economic impacts. The study also estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 1.2 million premature deaths in India every year. These numbers are alarming, and it is imperative that policymakers take concrete steps to address the issue.
A ban on firecrackers is not a new idea. Several cities and countries have implemented similar bans in the past, with significant results. For example, the city of Beijing in China banned firecrackers in 2014, following a severe air pollution crisis. The ban has been largely successful, with air quality indexes showing a significant improvement. Similarly, the Indian city of Delhi has implemented a ban on firecrackers during the festive season, although the effectiveness of the ban is still a matter of debate.
Gandhi’s call for a nationwide ban on firecrackers is a step in the right direction. However, it is essential to recognize that a ban alone may not be enough to solve the problem. There needs to be a broader conversation about the cultural significance of firecrackers and the need to find alternative, eco-friendly ways to celebrate festivals. This could include the use of green firecrackers, which are designed to produce fewer emissions, or the promotion of community-based celebrations that do not involve firecrackers.
In conclusion, Maneka Gandhi’s statement highlights the urgent need to address the issue of air pollution in India. The bursting of firecrackers is a significant contributor to this problem, and it is essential that policymakers take concrete steps to mitigate its impact. While a ban on firecrackers may be a controversial idea, it is a necessary step towards ensuring the health and well-being of Indian citizens. As Gandhi said, those who burst firecrackers should be branded as “anti-national” because their actions pose a significant threat to the nation’s well-being. It is time for Indians to come together and find alternative, eco-friendly ways to celebrate festivals, and to recognize the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/05dfed30-2874-4e50-8c78-37383df29516
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