Happy Diwali

In my childhood I used to eagerly wait for diwali holidays.We had twenty days of vacation for diwali.Most of the time would be spend flying kites and playing cricket.We never stayed back at home as back then there was no cable or internet connection.Also weather is at the best during diwali.Most exciting part about Diwali was bursting crackers and eating sweets.People of all communities celebrated Diwali together.

This year Delhi has banned bursting of fire crackers.Bursting of fire crackers is century old tradition.I feel banning crackers somehow takes away the fun element from this festival of lights.I personally don't like noisy crackers and have not burst crackers for than fifteen years now.I do understand that air pollution is a serious health issue.

But I am of opinion that there are several other reasons for air pollution in Delhi.The biggest contribution to air pollution in Delhi is from dust which comes from adjacent Thar desert.This problem can be resolved by making better pavements.Using dust collecting machines to clean roads and foot paths.Planting a wall of trees adjacent to Thar desert could be a good idea to stop the advance of desert.Other reason for air pollution is burning of agricultural waste in adjacent states of Punjab and Haryana.Converting all the vehicles to electric is another immediate step to curb pollution.

Hastly banning a tradition which is century old is not a good idea.Now due to technological advances people are becoming less social.Spending more time on social media,laptops and smartphones.Festivals like Diwali get people out of their homes in the name of bursting crackers.Before banning crackers we should provide an alternative to crackers which will be noiseless and non polluting.Today in times of job losses, I wonder if anyone gave serious thought for the people who will loose their livelhood because of this move.