https://theprint.in/economy/why-diwali-firecracker-ban-is-explosive-combination-of-health-religion-politics-economics/541982/
A woman makes crackers at a unit in Sivakasi, the firecracker manufacturing hub in the country | Photo: ANI
New Delhi/Bengaluru: As the air quality worsened in northern parts of India and the Covid-19 pandemic witnessed a new wave in the national capital in the festive season, all focus shifted to firecrackers and their sales across the country.
A few state governments announced a complete ban but then a couple of them, ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), went on to reverse the decisions partially or completely under pressure from their political constituents.
Earlier this week, the National Green Tribunal [banned](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ngt-bans-firecrackers-in-places-where-air-quality-is-poor/article33056054.ece#:~:text=The National Green Tribunal (NGT,'poor' and above category.) sale of all kinds of firecrackers until 30 November in cities where the average of ambient air quality during November last year was ‘poor’ or worse. The Calcutta High Court also intervened with a ban, effectively spanning the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities in West Bengal. The Supreme Court has upheld the ruling.
These festivities are the mainstay of India’s Rs 5,000-crore fireworks industry. This has meant that the ban on firecrackers has been dominated by both religious and political undertones. Hindu groups have questioned the ban on firecrackers during important ‘Hindu festivities’.
But there are economic and health considerations, indicating that policy makers are grappling with difficult choices.
Firecracker manufacturers and traders are struggling with the plunge in sales and rising losses and those working in the units fear losing livelihoods.
There are health concerns as well with many fearing that firecrackers and the resultant pollution may further worsen the health of the population battling the pandemic.
Firecrackers are synonymous with Diwali, a major festival for the majority Hindu population. Any ban on firecrackers by governments invokes a political backlash from Hindu groups as well as from trader bodies that are traditionally closely affiliated with the BJP.
At present, the ban on firecrackers is effective in the non-BJP ruled states of West Bengal, Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Delhi.
After a ban announcement, BJP-ruled Haryana relaxed the move partially, allowing the burning of firecrackers for two hours on Diwali day. Another BJP-ruled state of Karnataka also rolled back the ban permitting green firecrackers to be used citing “public pressure”.
However, AAP-ruled Delhi is facing opposition from trader bodies and BJP leaders for going through with the ban.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) questioned why firecrackers are banned only during Hindu festivals. “I want to ask everybody who puts restrictions or bans on our festival by one means or another whether these firecrackers will not lead to pollution later on? Why ban or restrict them during Hindu festivals? Why not ban them throughout?” VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal asked.
“The Supreme Court had imposed certain restrictions and the authorities were to be held responsible. Are those restrictions also not enough? Those who are claiming that pollution will be reduced through restricting firecrackers, can they guarantee that pollution won’t happen later on? Hindu Samaj is environment friendly — we not only do suraksha (protection) but pooja too,” added Bansal.
Swadeshi Jagran Manch national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan pointed out that the use of crackers is deeply linked with Diwali celebrations and questioned why states are not allowing green crackers approved by the Supreme Court.
“Already industry and scientists have done their work and come out with green crackers that are also certified by CSIR-NEERI, in which potassium nitrate and sulphur is not put and other pollutants are also reduced to the minimum. There is a misconception that all fire crackers cause pollution but it is the Chinese crackers that caused it more,” he said.