Saturday, 11 November 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Green crackers rise in popularity among revelers
Despite being aware of the harmful effects of crackers on the environment and health, people in Dehradun are still buying them at high prices. Many residents claimed that they are aware of the pollution caused by burning crackers but they still indulge in bursting fireworks. However, in recent times, green crackers have emerged as a more environmentally friendly option for customers during Deepawali, said the local residents.
Commenting on the use of crackers, local citizen Piyush Aggarwal said that he is aware of the harmful effects of crackers on the environment in terms of pollution. However, he and his children burn crackers only on Deepawali as it’s the only day they allow themselves to do so. He further said that compared to past years, he has reduced the number of crackers he buys due to the prices increasing every year. Additionally, he stated that this year, the market is flooded with green crackers which he finds reliable for the festival.
Another local citizen Vimal Jain told this correspondent, “As time passes, more people are becoming aware of the harmful effects of bursting fireworks. Although I am aware of these effects, my children urge me to buy fireworks yearly. However, this time I have decided to buy green crackers for Deepawali. While such crackers may be costlier than traditional ones, they are much safer for the environment.”
Talking to The Pioneer, the president of Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) Pankaj Masson said that this year, the price of crackers has increased by an average of five per cent compared to the past years. Although the prices of crackers increase annually, people still buy them. However, the number of crackers purchased has decreased compared to past years due to the increased prices and awareness of their harmful effects.
He further said that the main market of the city is filled with green crackers this year, which cause only 10 per cent of the pollution as compared to normal crackers.
