Firecrackers in India
A firecracker is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang, usually for celebration or entertainment. They have fuses, and are wrapped in a heavy paper casing to contain the explosive compound. Firecrackers, along with fireworks, originated in China. They are easily available in India and are used to mark a celebratory event. Anyone 18 and over can buy them without a license if allowed by the local laws.
Diwali fireworks are a family event in many parts of India. People light up fireworks near their homes and in streets. Additionally, cities and communities have community fireworks.
History
This custom may have begun on the Indian subcontinent during 15th century when gunpowder started being utilised in Indian warfare following the Islamic conquest of the Indian subcontinent.India's first fireworks factory was established in Calcutta during the 19th century.
The founder was a man named Gopal Mahindram.
Pollution concerns
In October and November, farmers from Punjab and Haryana burn stubble and other agricultural waste and the weather tends not to be windy, so Delhi's air pollution usually increases, which has been a major environmental problem since 2002. Toxic smog generated during the burning of the firecrackers during Diwali festival can worsen this pollution.Ban on firecrackers
In October 2017, the Supreme Court banned firecrackers in Delhi, as a result of which the industry said it faced losses of Rs 1,000-crore and consequently layoffs.After India's National Green Tribunal ordered a ban in the National [Capital Region (India)|NCR] region on the sale and use of crackers in 2020, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research developed "green crackers" that used less polluting raw materials. Several states in India have either banned firecrackers or limited the time, noise level and type that can be used. Nonetheless, many firecrackers were used to celebrate the Diwali holiday in 2020, immediately after which Delhi's air pollution was over 9 times the level that the World Health Organization considers safe.
Researchers at Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health put out a working paper which spoke about the hazards of firecrackers in Mangalore and parts of the country and called for an immediate regulation of hours of bursting and eventual phase out with a full ban.
Aaratrika Bhaumik mentions the ban put in place by the Calcutta High Court on firecrackers throughout the state of West Bengal for the 2021 Diwali and Kali Puja festivities. The ban extends to all remaining festivals in the year, such as Chhath Puja, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Diwali, Dasera, Christmas and the New Year.