SHALINI SAKSENA speaks with environmentalist Virant Tongad about the importance of a holistic approach when it comes to dealing with pollution

Each year, particulate matter spikes around Diwali. There are many who opine that just ‘one day of bursting crackers’ is not the culprit; that there are so many other reasons why the air becomes toxic around this time of the year. Stubble burning, year-around rampant construction, vehicular emissions and even the weather conditions pollute the air.

Vikrant Tongad, an environmentalist, tells you that the reason why propagators of green Diwali see red around this Festival of Lights is because of the high PM in the air and to spread feel-good factor.

“Going green is to motivate people. The idea is to create a good social atmosphere. That is why green Diwali campaign has been doing rounds for the last 10 years. The idea is symbolic. The whole year nobody has worked — neither the Government nor the society. Healthwise, this Diwali is going to be just as bad. We have not worked towards improving the infrastructure. We have not improved our transportation which means people will be out in their cars. Not all have started segregating waste at home. We are a political Capital, we are strong. Yet the infrastructure needs to improve; it is in planning given the speed at which things ar improving right now. Everything will take time,” Tongad says.

Hence, the idea of green crackers doesn’t really exist. “According to National Environmental Engineering Research Institute data, green crackers are not completely green. They will only reduce 30 per cent pollution when compared to traditional crackers. While it may be feasible to make  green crackers, it will take time. Unfortunately, this Diwali, air pollution is going to be higher as stubble burning has increased, open solid waste burning has risen and there is rampant construction; there are demolitions in Delhi-NCR. These are major contributors. Green crackers are just a part of the bigger picture,” Tongad says.

Yet, Diwali is the villain here. There is a reason. It is a proven fact that air worsens around this festival. “It has been proved scientifically that the air quality is bad on this day. The Diwali pollution is unlike that of stubble burning. Diwali pollution is very toxic. It has heavy metals. There is light, sound and noise pollution as well. While, this only contributes 10 per cent to the overall air pollution, but it is toxic. During the onset of winters, air is already polluted due to stubble burning. They, unfortunately, don’t have an option at present. The burning is the need of the farmers. Bursting crackers is for enjoyment and not just ours. Others suffer as well. Therefore, there is stress on going green each year on Diwali,” Tongad explains.

He tells you that there is ambiguity in the definition of  green crackers that in the market. “If we look at science of what is considered eco-friendly, these crackers don’t fall under the category. When one uses the word eco is should mean that the product is in favour of the environment. If these crackers were 70 per cent safe, we could have said that they are eco-friendly. This is not the case unless we compare it to traditional crackers,” Tongad says.

The word — green firecrackers — need more R&D. This will take time. There will be litigations to look at how green they are. India, Tongad says works on ligations leading to awareness among the people.

“Many people have stopped bursting crackers. However, a communal twist is been given to this. Deepawali is a Festival of Lights. Bursting of crackers is not an Indian concept,” Tongad tells you and doesn’t agree with people who put the label: ‘Just one day’.

“It is not just one day. One must remember that Diwali is a fight of good over evil. We must celebrate it by spreading peace and ensure a healthy society. The purpose of Diwali is to celebrate this festival as a community,” Tongad says.

“When we celebrate this festival as a community we can ask people to burst crackers at designated spots. A holistic approach is the need of the hour. This way, the religious sentiments will be taken care of and environmentalists will also be happy,” Tongad says.