Harmful effects of firecrackers
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In recent years there has been some criticism about the supposedly excessive use of firecrackers, especially during the Hindu festival of Deepavali. The most commonly cited reason is the noise pollution caused by firecrackers.
The noise from firecrackers has a more deleterious effect on animals who have a more sensitive sense of hearing than humans. Pets such as dogs and cats, as well as stray cattle in and around cities are most affected. Voluntary and non-profit organizations such as People for Animals educate the public about these issues.
Another criticism is that smog caused by firecrackers may be harmful to inhale and can cause difficulty for drivers because of reduced visibility.
Recently there have been several governmental and legal efforts in India to combat the problem. The Supreme Court of India, observing that "the right to peaceful sleep is a fundamental right of the citizens"[citation needed], has banned firecrackers between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the Dasara and Diwali festivals. While strict enforcement of this ban is not yet in place, the effect has nevertheless been very positive.
The Central Pollution Control Board of India has banned firecrackers with a decibel level of more than 125 at a distance of 4 meters from the bursting point. There have also been state-level efforts to ban the very loud "1000-walas" and "hydrogen bombs" fireworks.It is said that one big firecracker produces 250cc of smoke.
There have also been efforts by some non-governmental organisations to educate schoolchildren about the dangers of firecrackers, based on the argument that it is children who influence their parents to purchase them, and that they are the ones who eventually light them. The cumulative effect of these actions has been a noticeable reduction of noise during Deepavali.[citation needed]
The usage of "rockets" near apartment buildings has also given rise to many injuries.[citation needed] No law prohibiting this has been passed.
