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, citing the alarming levels of air pollution in New Delhi. According to Gandhi, the bursting of firecrackers is the primary reason behind the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, and those responsible for it should be branded as “anti-national”.
Gandhi’s statement has come at a time when the air quality in New Delhi has been consistently poor, with the city’s residents struggling to breathe due to the high levels of pollutants in the air. The situation is particularly dire during the festive season, when the bursting of firecrackers becomes a major contributor to the already poor air quality. The BJP leader’s comments have sparked a heated debate, with many welcoming her stance on the issue, while others have criticized her for being overly harsh.
The issue of firecrackers and air pollution is a complex one, with multiple factors at play. On the one hand, firecrackers have been an integral part of Indian festivals, particularly Diwali, for centuries. They are a symbol of joy, celebration, and festivity, and many people look forward to bursting them as a way to mark the occasion. However, the environmental impact of firecrackers cannot be ignored. The bursting of firecrackers releases large amounts of pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which can have serious health implications, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
According to Gandhi, the scale of firecracker bursting in India is staggering, with an estimated ₹800 crore worth of firecrackers being burst in just two nights. This, she argues, is a significant contributor to the poor air quality in New Delhi, and those responsible for it should be held accountable. “If you will burst firecrackers worth ₹800 crore in two nights, then what will happen to the air?” she asked, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the issue.
Gandhi’s call for a nationwide ban on firecrackers is not without precedent. Several countries, including China and Singapore, have already banned firecrackers due to their environmental impact. In India, some cities, including Delhi, have implemented partial bans on firecrackers, but these have been largely ineffective in curbing the problem. A nationwide ban, as suggested by Gandhi, would require a coordinated effort from state and central governments, as well as a change in public behavior and attitudes towards firecrackers.
While some have welcomed Gandhi’s stance on the issue, others have criticized her for being overly harsh. They argue that a complete ban on firecrackers would be an overreaction, and that alternative solutions, such as regulating the use of firecrackers or promoting eco-friendly alternatives, could be more effective. Others have pointed out that the issue of air pollution is complex and multifaceted, and that firecrackers are just one of many contributors to the problem.
Despite these criticisms, Gandhi’s comments have highlighted the need for urgent action to address the issue of air pollution in India. The country is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world, and the problem is only getting worse. The bursting of firecrackers is just one of many factors contributing to the problem, but it is an important one, and one that can be addressed with relative ease.
In conclusion, the debate around firecrackers and air pollution is a complex and contentious one. While some argue that firecrackers are an integral part of Indian festivals and should be allowed, others argue that their environmental impact is too great to ignore. Maneka Gandhi’s call for a nationwide ban on firecrackers is a bold one, and one that highlights the need for urgent action to address the issue of air pollution in India. As the festive season approaches, it remains to be seen whether Gandhi’s comments will spark a change in public behavior and attitudes towards firecrackers, or whether the status quo will continue.
News Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/05dfed30-2874-4e50-8c78-37383df29516
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