Delhi, like in previous years, once again found itself in a gas chamber during the Diwali festival, leading to a sharp rise in the air quality index to hundreds of points. Children, the elderly, and the sick are the most vulnerable to pollution. This situation has repeated this year.
The Supreme Court issued a comment on Friday, noting that Delhi's decline during Diwali is linked to the culture of gift-giving. Chief Justice Suryakant stated that the tradition of exchanging gifts has been transformed by wealthy people into a symbol of social status. Long traffic jams due to cars increase the emission of pollutants.
The court emphasized that merely introducing bans will not be enough; cultural changes and active citizen participation are necessary. This comment is not limited only to gifts. The pollution generated during Diwali is created by the residents themselves. Where is it justified to throw fireworks beyond the established norm? For hours, individuals launch very loud firecrackers, which is more of an attempt to show off to neighbors than an expression of joy.
This category also includes river pollution, the use of deafening DJs and horns. We prioritize the habit of showing off at the expense of the environment. The government and courts issue annual decrees allowing limited use of green fireworks and setting deadlines. However, these orders are regularly violated as if they never existed. Therefore, the problem lies not in the legislation, but in our habits.
No court or government can save Delhi from pollution alone. Until we take the initiative ourselves, the situation will not improve. Stubble burning, transport, industry, and construction dust play a significant role, but in the sharp increase around Diwali, our personal responsibility is also involved. Smoke and noise emanating from every home envelop the city together. Cars stand in traffic for hours to deliver gifts, burning fuel and increasing smoke. Fireworks smoke mixes with the air, and the noise from DJs and horns increases noise pollution. We do all this while being aware of the consequences.
The solution starts at the personal level. Diwali is a festival of joy, and it is important to light lamps, share sweets, and meet. However, it should not become a festival of ostentation and competition. The festival and joy can be celebrated using as few fireworks as possible. The habit of giving gifts can be changed through digital or shared methods. Instead of spending hours in different cars, one can gather together to celebrate. The role of the government and the court is important: they can create rules, monitor, and apply strict measures. But their work will only be successful if the public complies with the rules. The Supreme Court rightly noted that the more bans there are, the more violations there are.
The true solution lies in the movement of the people. Residents' associations, social networks, and local groups can work in this direction. It is necessary to raise awareness about how our small habits lead to big losses. Delhi's pollution is not just a problem for one city; it is a problem of health and the future of the entire region. Children's lungs suffer, the number of respiratory diseases is growing, and economic damage is being inflicted. To break this vicious cycle, the government, farmers, industrialists, and ordinary citizens must work together. But the beginning must be made by the individual. The Supreme Court's comment serves as a warning. Now we have an answer. It is time to take responsibility so that Delhi can breathe.
