Anti-Firecracker Drives Miss the Bigger Picture: Is it a Conspiracy?
Are Firecrackers Really the Enemy or a Convenient Scapegoat?
Every October and November, debates reignite over whether Diwali firecrackers should be banned. Social media fills with images of smog; children carry “Say No to Crackers” placards, and schools host “Green Diwali” drives. The sentiment is noble — we all want cleaner air. Are we truly addressing the real culprit, or has this become a seasonal ritual that gradually undermines the festival’s traditions and cultural values?
It is well established that Diwali firecrackers release a sudden, intense burst of pollutants such as PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, and other heavy particulates concentrated over a short period — typically two to three nights. The pollution spike is sharp but temporary, lasting only one to two days before dispersing naturally.
Although PM2.5 levels do rise sharply for a short duration during Diwali due to fireworks, it is crucial to view them in real context. In Delhi–NCR and several northern Indian cities, the average PM2.5 concentration a week before Diwali already ranges between 180–250 µg/m³, mainly because of vehicle emissions, dust, and stubble (parali) burning — this is three to four times the national safe limit of 60 µg/m³. On Diwali night, the figure may temporarily rise to around 700–900 µg/m³ for a few hours because of fireworks and calm weather conditions that trap pollutants near the surface. However, within 24–48 hours, levels usually fall back to around 180–300 µg/m³, returning to the same baseline that existed before the festival. This clearly indicates that while firecrackers do cause a short-lived spike, the air remains equally polluted before and after Diwali due to persistent, year-round urban and agricultural pollution sources.
The truth, therefore, is that firecrackers contribute minimally to India’s annual pollution load compared with persistent structural issues such as poor roads, potholes, excessive fuel consumption, vehicular emissions, dust, waste mismanagement, and widespread stubble burning. Yet, anti-firecracker campaigns often overshadow these deeper, long-term environmental challenges that genuinely affect public health and the planet.
Tradition Under Fire: Losing Cultural Context
For generations, firecrackers have symbolised joy, victory, and togetherness. From Diwali and New Year’s Eve to weddings and sporting triumphs, fireworks illuminate celebrations across the world — from Sydney to London, from Dubai to New York, and beyond.
However, in India, anti-cracker drives have gained institutional momentum. Many schools promote “cracker-free Diwali” campaigns, unintentionally creating guilt around traditional celebrations. While the intention to promote cleaner air is commendable, the approach risks alienating children from cultural practices deeply rooted in Indian identity — from the joy of festivals to the emotional connection and sense of belonging they bring.
Cultural Imbalance in Schools
Ironically, while schools celebrate global festivals such as Christmas with enthusiasm — often organising carnivals — traditional Indian festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali, and the MELAs associated with them, frequently get sidelined.
This imbalance doesn’t just hurt cultural continuity — it erodes our cultural values and distances children from the traditions that have defined community celebrations for generations. Cultural sensitivity and ecological awareness must coexist, but not at the cost of diluting our culture and traditions.
The Real Polluter: India’s Roads and Fuel Waste
The Technical Perspective
Let us put this into measurable context. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), firecrackers contribute less than 1% to annual particulate matter (PM) emissions. In contrast, bad roads, potholes, and traffic congestions significantly reduce vehicular efficiency and increase CO₂ emissions.
Poor-quality roads cause frequent braking and acceleration, reducing fuel efficiency by up to ~25% in urban areas. It is a proven fact that even a 1% drop in mileage across India’s 300 million vehicles results in millions of litres of fuel wasted daily — producing far more CO₂ than all the Diwali fireworks combined.
The Hidden Cost of Potholes
A study by IIT Madras revealed that pothole-ridden roads increase CO₂ emissions and black carbon output due to inefficient combustion. Bad roads not only waste fuel but also extend idling time, release more nitrogen oxides (NOx), and directly worsen the Air Quality Index (AQI) every moment.
The most recent data (April 2025) shows that the total number of registered motor vehicles in Gurugram (Gurgaon), Haryana, was approximately 7.71 million units. Using a standard emission factor of about 2.5 kg of CO₂ per litre of fuel consumed (averaging petrol and diesel) and applying usage factors, this translates to more than eight million tonnes of CO₂ emitted annually by vehicles registered in Gurgaon alone.
Imagine if all the potholes were levelled, road encroachments removed, and roads improved for smooth driving — mileage could improve by 25%, resulting in a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions. This equates to a reduction of about two million tonnes of CO₂ annually in Gurgaon alone. In comparison, CO₂ emissions from Diwali firecrackers are negligible against these staggering numbers.
So, while we penalise families for lighting a few sparklers once a year, the daily chaos of bad infrastructure continues unchecked, releasing tonnes of emissions that choke our cities throughout the year.
Beyond Crackers: The Urban Pollution Puzzle
Ignored Factors — Parali and Urban Waste
Each year, stubble burning (parali) across northern India contributes massively to smog formation. The toxic mix of smoke and moisture stagnates over the Indo-Gangetic Plain — a problem that no Diwali ban can solve.
Meanwhile, uncollected garbage, open drains, and unregulated construction dust compound air pollution levels. These problems are systemic, not seasonal. Yet, they rarely receive the attention that a two-day festival does.
Why do schools in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and other NCR cities not collaborate with local authorities to address these real, ongoing challenges?
The Role of Education
Schools should indeed teach sustainability — but through balanced, practical education. Instead of restricting traditions, institutions could promote eco-friendly crackers, biodegradable decorations, and awareness about the environmental impact of fuel, plastic, and waste.
It is not merely about addressing current issues — it is also about shaping a future mindset. One does not need to attend IITs or IIMs to learn how to manage and tackle root causes of such issues rather than developing a herd mentality that runs with the mob.
A Balanced Solution: Celebrate with Sense, Not Guilt
Firecracker bans or guilt-based drives are not sustainable solutions. They divide public sentiment instead of encouraging shared responsibility. What India truly needs is a “Responsible Celebration” movement, not a “Cracker-Free” one.
The ban on firecrackers, as seen in previous years, often has the opposite effect — it provokes people to use them even more, as Diwali is a significant religious and emotional festival for Hindus. The government and the Honourable Supreme Court should exercise sensitivity and caution when imposing such bans, as they risk conflicting with public sentiment and long-held cultural traditions.
Practical Alternatives
- Use certified green crackers that reduce emissions by up to 30%.
- Encourage the use of diyas (earthen lamps) and LED lighting.
- Promote noise-controlled, community fireworks displays instead of personal firecrackers.
- Campaign for road repair and fuel efficiency alongside air-quality improvement drives.
Tech-Driven Accountability
Smart urban management systems — such as real-time AQI dashboards and vehicle emission sensors — can help authorities identify and address chronic pollution zones effectively. Cracker bans, by contrast, are symbolic gestures that achieve little without meaningful structural reform.
Rethinking the Narrative
The debate is not about choosing between the environment and tradition — it is about understanding the true scale of problems. Firecrackers, though visible and noisy, are a minute contributor to India’s air pollution crisis.
If authorities and institutions channel even half the energy they spend on anti-cracker drives towards fixing roads, managing waste, or improving public transport, India’s AQI would see far greater improvement.
Let us celebrate responsibly — but let us also think critically.
This Diwali, light a lamp, burst a sparkler if you wish, and demand better infrastructure from those truly responsible for the daily pollution that suffocates our cities.
Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali!
