We do not ask you to say “No to firecrackers”, instead appeal you to be a law-abiding citizen this Deepawali.

You know the harmful effects of the bursting of crudely made and polluting firecrackers. You’re also the ones who are most eager to burst crackers. You must have seen the density of pollution that emanates from the powerful crackers, enough to kill an asthmatic patient. Indiscriminate use of crackers often results in serious accidents and lethal injuries. Also, deafening noise resulting from bursting of crackers poses the threats of hearing loss apart from public nuisance.

We want to inform you that the Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government, all the State Governments and the Union Territories:

• To take steps to strictly comply with the rules related to the noise standards for firecrackers.
• The use of fireworks or firecrackers should not be permitted except between 6:00 pm to 10:00 am. No fireworks or firecrackers should be used between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
• Firecrackers should not be used at any time in silence zones like hospitals, educational institutions etc.
• The State Education Resource Centres in all the states and the Union Territories should take appropriate steps to educate students about the ill effects of air and noise pollution.

Certain Facts:

• The Ministry of Environment and Forests amended “noise pollution” as defined in the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, and banned the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 decibels.
• The manufacturers of firecrackers have been directed to display the decibel level clearly on the box of crackers.
• Ninety-five percent of the firecrackers violate the noise and pollution norms, says a study by Central Pollution Control Board.
• The level of suspended particles in the air increases alarmingly during Diwali, causing eye, throat and nose problems. Although most of us do not feel the immediate impact, these problems can later develop into serious health hazards.
• Scientific data suggests that noise pollution can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks and sleep disturbances apart from hearing loss. Normal decibel level for human beings is 6s0. An increase by 10 decibels means double the noise volume and intensity.
• The police have been authorized to enforce the rules regarding noise pollution.

PLEASE KEEP ALL THESE FACTS IN MIND AND TAKE CARE!!

Wishing you a “Happy Deepawali”,

Eco Friends