Diwali's Dark Side: Uncovering The Festival's Pollution Problem

The Diwali festival, celebrated in India, is also known as the festival of lights. Fireworks have been a part of the celebrations since around 1400 AD. However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern about the impact of Diwali on air pollution levels, particularly in Delhi, which is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Studies have shown that the burning of firecrackers during Diwali leads to a significant increase in air pollution, with PM2.5 levels surging to dangerous levels. The Indian government has tried to implement firecracker bans in some cities, but with limited success. Other factors, such as farm fires in neighbouring states and increased vehicle traffic, also contribute to the pollution levels during Diwali. Despite the concerns, people are becoming more conscious of environmentally friendly methods, and some states in India have promoted green firecrackers or alternative celebrations to reduce the environmental impact of the festival.

Firecrackers cause an 875% spike in pollution

Diwali is a religious festival celebrated in India, which has been associated with increased pollution levels, particularly in the capital, Delhi, which is already one of the most polluted cities in the world. The festival is marked by the burning of firecrackers, which has led to concerns about the impact on air quality.

A recent report by Airvoice, an air quality control startup, revealed that pollution caused by Diwali firecrackers surged by up to 875% in some regions of India. The study analysed data from 180 air quality monitoring stations across 14 states between 2017 and 2023, including New Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, which were the top five states with the worst air quality on Diwali.

The focus of the research was on PM2.5 levels, which are dangerous fine particulate matter known to cause severe health risks. In states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, where pollution is already a critical issue, PM2.5 levels soared to hazardous heights on Diwali night. In some areas, the levels were up to nine times higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

The report highlights the need for stricter enforcement of firecracker bans and the development of more effective strategies to curb pollution without compromising cultural celebrations. It is recommended that alternative, eco-friendly celebrations are encouraged, and more monitoring stations are established to improve the sufficiency and openness of air quality data.

Despite the drastic rise in pollution, it is important to note that the study found that air quality typically normalises within 24 hours. This challenges the common belief that Diwali-related pollution has prolonged effects on the environment. However, it is worth mentioning that toxic metals released by firecrackers, such as aluminium, manganese, and cadmium, can pose significant respiratory risks long after the festival smoke clears.

The Indian government has tried to ban firecrackers

The Indian government has indeed tried to ban firecrackers, and these efforts have been ongoing. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed a ban on the sale and production of all crackers except 'green crackers', which have reduced emissions. The manufacture and sale of 'joined crackers' were also banned, and the use of barium salts in firecrackers was prohibited. The Court also stated that noise levels should remain within permissible limits.

Despite these measures, a report from 2024 revealed that Diwali firecrackers still caused an 875% spike in pollution. PM2.5 levels in New Delhi on Diwali night increased by 100% despite the ban. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the current approach. Experts suggest that alternative, eco-friendly celebrations and stricter enforcement may be necessary to combat the growing pollution crisis.

The Indian government has acknowledged the problem, and in 2023, the Supreme Court clarified that its 2021 order allowing only the use of green firecrackers would apply to the entire country, not just Delhi. The Court observed that it is the adults who burst fireworks these days, and protecting the environment is everybody's duty. The Court also made it clear that there is no total ban on the use of firecrackers, only those found to be injurious to health are prohibited.

The limited impact of firecracker bans has been questioned, and it is argued that stricter enforcement of these bans is necessary. The report emphasises the need for more effective strategies to curb pollution without compromising cultural celebrations. The Indian government continues to face pressure to address the pollution crisis, and regulatory interventions are being called for to ensure clean air for all.

The ban has been largely ineffective

The Indian authorities in several states, including Delhi, have attempted to ban the sale and use of fireworks during Diwali, but the ban has been largely ineffective. Despite the ban, there was a 100% increase in PM2.5 levels in New Delhi on Diwali night in 2023, raising concerns about the current approach.

The ban has failed to prevent higher levels of pollution, with experts suggesting that alternative, eco-friendly celebrations and stricter enforcement may be necessary to combat the growing pollution crisis. The limited impact of the firecracker ban in Delhi has led to questions about the effectiveness of similar bans in other cities.

One reason for the ban's ineffectiveness is the lack of sufficient air quality monitoring stations, which are critical for understanding current pollution levels and assessing the effectiveness of government regulations. Additionally, the enforcement of the ban has been weak, with reports of people still selling and buying firecrackers despite the prohibition.

Furthermore, other factors contribute to the pollution during Diwali, including the burning of farm stubble in neighbouring states, increased vehicle traffic, and the natural deterioration of air quality as temperatures drop and wind speeds fall during the Diwali season. These factors, combined with the impact of firecrackers, create a complex pollution problem that is challenging to address through a single ban.

While the firecracker ban aims to reduce pollution, the continued use of firecrackers during Diwali highlights the need for stricter enforcement and the development of more effective strategies that balance cultural celebrations with environmental concerns.

Farm fires contribute to pollution

While the festival of Diwali is known to cause an increase in pollution, farm fires also play a significant role in contributing to the overall pollution levels.

Farm fires are a common practice in northern India, where farmers burn the stubble from the previous harvest to prepare the land for the next crop season. This practice has been banned since 2015, but it still continues, and the smoke is carried to neighbouring cities, contributing to the smog and poor air quality. Official figures show that in November 2021, a week after Diwali, farm fires contributed to 48% of PM 2.5 levels, which are harmful particles that can be inhaled. The impact of farm fires on pollution varies daily, and several factors, including wind speed and direction, influence the extent of their impact.

The burning of farm stubble is particularly prevalent in states like Punjab and Haryana, where the number of fire hotspots detected by satellite data increases significantly in the weeks leading up to Diwali. This coincides with the usual drop in temperature and wind speed around the Diwali season, which would normally cause pollution levels to rise. However, in years when Diwali is celebrated earlier, like in 2022, the weather is milder, and the impact of farm fires can be more pronounced.

The smoke from farm fires contains various chemicals and metals that contribute to air pollution. For example, studies have shown that SO2 concentrations during Diwali are significantly higher than on regular days. Additionally, metals released into the air during farm fires, such as aluminium, manganese, and cadmium, pose significant respiratory risks long after the smoke has cleared.

The impact of farm fires on air quality is not limited to India. In the United States, wildfires and agricultural practices have been shown to contribute significantly to ozone pollution. Wildfire smoke contains chemicals that can jump-start ozone production, and the dense smoke and poor air quality during wildfires pose significant health risks to farmworkers and local residents.

To address the issue of pollution caused by farm fires, it is essential to develop and implement effective strategies that balance environmental concerns with the needs of farmers. This may include the creation of "wildfire" resilient crop varieties, improved soil management techniques, and the development of adaptive and resilient agricultural practices that can help reduce the impact of farm fires on the environment and human health.

Fireworks cause soil, water, and noise pollution

Fireworks are a staple of many celebrations, including Diwali, and while they are fun to watch, they can cause significant soil, water, and noise pollution.

The Indian government's Central Pollution Control Board has listed 15 hazardous and toxic substances found in fireworks. These include heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as lead, antimony, benzene, and toluene. During combustion, these substances do not burn up completely and can end up as aerosols that poison the air, water, and soil. The deposition of these toxic metals and chemicals on land and in waterways can have detrimental effects on the environment and sensitive ecological systems.

A study from 2007 found that fireworks increase nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in the atmosphere. These gases are primary contributors to acid rain and are irritants to the lungs and throat. Additionally, the same study discovered that fireworks create and disperse an aerosol cloud containing various metallic elements, which, due to their small size, can be easily inhaled, posing a direct health risk to humans and animals.

The noise from fireworks can also cause significant disruption. Research has shown that unwanted noise, especially low-frequency sounds, can lead to mood disruptions and sleep problems. Furthermore, long-term exposure to such noise has been linked to hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and even strokes. This noise pollution can be particularly traumatic for military veterans, survivors of gun violence, and pets.

The pollution caused by fireworks during Diwali has led to Indian authorities in several states banning the sale and use of fireworks during the festival. However, enforcement of these bans has been challenging. Despite the availability of environmentally-friendly alternatives, the toxic substances and gases released by fireworks continue to contribute to soil, water, and noise pollution, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

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