Delhi reels under the threat of firecrackers

As another Diwali approaches with its attendant firecrackers, the national capital's already heavily polluted atmosphere faces more degradation, posing the danger of increasing afflictions of the lungs, eyes and skin.

The firecracker industry has grown manifold over the years, registering Rs 2.5 billion in sales during Diwali alone. But no concrete measures have been taken to prevent environmental degradation, according to an environmentalist.

In Delhi, an additional 4,000 metric tonnes of garbage, comprising burnt paper and chemicals like phosphorous, sulphur and potassium chlorate are released on that day, according to Dr Iqbal Malik of the non-governmental organisation Vatavaran.

Besides, numerous accidents of fires and explosions occur every year. According to rough estimates, nearly 10,000 people get injured by crackers. Most of the victims are children in the age group of 8 to 16.

''We have been celebrating Diwali when tens of thousands of children, who make these crackers, do not know what this celebration stands for. They work in the factories from dawn to dusk in hazardous conditions and most dehumanising forms,'' she said.

Noise pollution is another major health hazard during the period. There is a growing demand for banning crackers causing noise more than a prescribed level.

Fireworks contain sulphur, which on burning converts to sulphur dioxide, proved to be harmful if the concentration reaches more than the limit of 30.5 parts per billion (24 hour standard for sulphur dioxide).

A study conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board last year on the day of Diwali indicated that hourly values, specially during 2100 hours to midnight, was very high ranging from 65.3 to 110 PPB.

The national capital territory of Delhi was declared as an air pollution control area on February 20 within the provisions of Section 19(1) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. But steps to control this menace during Diwali are still lacking, according to experts.

Another Delhi-based non-governmental organisation, the South Asian Coalition on Child Servitude has launched a campaign 'Celebrating Diwali by lighting lamps and not burning precious childhood.'

Launching the campaign, child rights activist Asmita referred to the numerous accidents occurring in firework manufacturing units spread over the country, where hundreds of child and adult workers either get killed or crippled year after year.

The organisation has been vigorously campaigning for the past three years for the boycott of fireworks as its manufacture is tainted with child labour besides being extremely hazardous.

Last year, the NGO covered almost 10,000 schools in various states aiming to mobilise the support of school children for the campaign. In these schools, hundreds of children took an oath not to use firecrackers during Diwali or other festivals.

According to sources, the salient feature of this year's programmes will be a signature campaign. About 100,000 signatures will be submitted to the President. A memorandum would also be submitted, urging him to stop the use of fireworks and arrange for the release and rehabilitation of more than 150,000 children trapped in this industry.

The Child Labour Act, enacted in 1986, prohibits child employment in matches and fireworks units, classifying them as most hazardous.

The Act prescribed imprisonment from three months to two years and fines up to Rs 20,000 for violation of the rule. Not a single employer of child labour in the industry has, however, been awarded imprisonment to date. The highest degree of punishment was a fine below Rs 100.

UNI