A few years ago, 23-year-old Jay Mishra decided not to burst firecrackers after seeing his grandmother suffering from the constant noise of firecrackers.
For expression only (HT file photo)
His determination continues today, as he not only refrains from buying firecrackers every Diwali, but also campaigns among his family and friends to stop or reduce the number of firecrackers they buy.
“I have seen some negative effects of firecrackers on human health, including the elderly and children. After reading some news, I also understood the negative effects of firecrackers on the environment, so I stopped using them completely. ,” Mishra said.
This is not only him, but several Gen Z’s have become worried about their surroundings and the people around them, which is why they distance themselves from bursting crackers.
Anya Mishra, 15, said she sometimes studied about climate change, global warming and pollution.
“If we as ordinary people do not stop participating in activities that cause pollution, we will reduce the quality of our lives. And bursting crackers has nothing to do with history or culture, but is promoted as part of a marketing strategy. The supply of crackers will be determined only by market demand. If we stop buying them completely, we can maintain air quality even after the Christmas season,” Mishra said.
Similarly, Nikita Paffa, 23, said she stopped setting off firecrackers completely after adopting a stray dog in her hometown.
“Every Diwali festival, I see my baby dogs scared and distressed due to the noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers.For a few days after the festival, I often see birds and even squirrels. It’s sad that it’s difficult. It’s time we understand the importance of coexistence. The right to life is their right as much as it is ours,” Pahwa said. .
14-year-old Ananya Sharma also stopped buying crackers after reading about Greta Thunberg and Sonam Wangchuck’s climate change campaign. “I believe that we should inculcate in our children from an early age the idea of promoting environmental conservation so that they can breathe clean air and ensure a better living environment for those around them,” Sharma said.
