This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12 across the country
(Representative Image)
An NGO in Maharashtra has offered a trip to the Radhanagari-Dajipur wildlife reserve as well as Fort Gandharvgad, to children who refrain from bursting crackers this Diwali
Diwali is synonymous with vibrant celebrations and the traditional crackling of firecrackers. In a bid to combat pollution and promote eco-friendly celebrations, the NGO Nisarg Mitra has taken a significant step. The organization is offering school students a special incentive – a free visit to Maharashtra’s Radhanagari-Dajipur wildlife sanctuary or the tranquil holy grove at Ajara, complemented by an excursion to Fort Gandharvgad. The catch? Students earn this rewarding experience by choosing not to burst firecrackers during the festive season and aligning with a broader movement towards a greener Diwali.
“We have conducted workshops on making eco-friendly lanterns for nearly 6,000 school students. We showed a presentation to students on how bursting firecrackers contributes to pollution as well as affects health. Seeing the visual presentation, nearly 70 per cent of the students agreed to abstain from crackers,” said Anil Chougule, coordinator, Nisarg Mitra, as quoted by The Times of India.
Inspired by an impactful presentation, numerous school students have opted to forgo the tradition of bursting firecrackers, contributing to a more eco-friendly Diwali. Anil Chougule revealed that the organization has encouraged students to extend their commitment beyond personal choices. They have been prompted to write letters to traders, requesting them not to sell firecrackers post Laxmi Puja, and these letters have been dispatched to the traders’ postal addresses. Additionally, students have enthusiastically pledged to uphold their promise of refraining from crackers and have expressed eagerness to partake in the nature trip, reported Times of India.
Responding to the recent Supreme Court (SC) decision rejecting the appeal of the Firecracker Manufacturers Association to include barium in green crackers, several state governments in India have implemented regulations to control firecracker usage.
In light of the worsening air pollution, states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Maharashtra have introduced guidelines, with the majority permitting the use of green crackers only during Diwali between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
As per the reports, this Diwali, Pune residents are increasingly favouring eco-friendly and locally-made lanterns. Shoppers are opting for cloth, paper, and cardboard lanterns, avoiding plastic ones and steering clear of Chinese products. The lanterns are available at prices ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 800, depending on the material and design.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Centre for Creativity, in partnership with Emami Arts and the FICCI FLO Kolkata Chapter, recently sponsored a Diwali display named Soil to Soul- Binding Bengal. The event included the work of 15 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and 25 craftsmen from all around Bengal, displaying the region’s cultural excellence.
