Implement strict regulations to save environment, lives

Regulate use of firecrackers

Firecrackers have long been part of festivals and celebrations, adding sparkle and excitement with their bright lights and loud sounds. However, their widespread and unregulated use has raised serious concerns about health, safety and the environment. Bursting crackers releases harmful smoke, toxic chemicals and fine dust particles that contribute to severe air pollution, often leading

to respiratory problems, eye irritation and aggravation of asthma. The noise levels from firecrackers, which can exceed 125dB, also negatively impact sensitive populations like elderly and infants. Moreover, firecracker-related accidents, such as burns and injuries, highlight the dangers of careless handling. Given these hazards, it is important to regulate the use of these. Limiting firecrackers to designated safe zones and fixed timings can help reduce both pollution and risks, while still allowing people to enjoy cultural traditions. Such measures would strike a balance between celebration and responsibility, ensuring festivities do not compromise public health or the environment. Responsible enjoyment of firecrackers can thus create safer, cleaner and more mindful celebrations.

Novin Christopher

Allow use at fixed locations

It is a known fact that firecrackers are a leading cause of fires, especially during festive seasons. So the corporation or local authorities must designate zones in open areas, away from residential buildings, dry grasslands, forests and industrial units with flammable materials. This drastically reduces the chance of a stray spark igniting a major fire. Having fireworks in a fixed location allows authorities to position firefighting equipment and personnel, ensuring a rapid response if an incident occurs. This is impossible when fireworks are set off randomly across a city. In a designated zone, it’s easier to enforce safety rules (like safe distances, banned types of crackers) and hold individuals accountable for negligence. Instead of a blanket of smog covering an entire city for hours or days, pollution is confined to a specific area for a shorter, fixed duration. This allows the air to clear more effectively afterward, especially if the zones are chosen considering wind patterns. Fixed timings allow sensitive groups such as infants, the elderly, individuals with asthma or heart conditions, and animals to prepare. They can stay indoors, use air purifiers, or even temporarily relocate. The constant, unpredictable blasts throughout the night cause immense stress and health issues.

Mohammad Saleem Farooqui

People must opt for green Diwali

The morning after Diwali is the saddest sight to see. Littered roadsides, afraid dogs, difficulty in breathing, smelly environment—the aftermath is really sad. It is all due to the incessant use of firecrackers in the name of celebrations. If only we realise our so called celebrations are harming the environment and spoiling the ecosystem. I still remember the first Diwali of my pet dog, who was afraid beyond words and trembling with fear on the night. The use of fire crackers should definitely be confined to certain time period and strict action must be taken against those who violate it. Also the crackers must be checked for the level of pollution they create and then only allowed in the market. Green Diwali is being promoted in schools colleges etc but we aren’t applying it in our homes. So what can schools do? These must show and teach correct behaviour to the younger generations so that they can save our environment from harm.

Simran Sidhu

Rational, effective, balanced policy

There should be a synchronised, fixed-time event, while creating a spike, often results in a lower overall pollution load compared to continuous, unregulated use over many days. It prevents the ‘slow cooking’ of the atmosphere where pollutants accumulate over time. Respect all faith and religion because it balances the rights of those who wish to celebrate with those who seek safety, peace and quiet. It shows respect for people with veterans, and those who work night shifts. We know that safe celebration creates a community event atmosphere where people can gather to enjoy the spectacle together in a safer manner, rather than in isolated, sometimes hazardous, settings. Limiting firecracker use to designated zones and fixed timings is a rational, effective and balanced public policy. It is a classic example of a compromise where individual freedom is slightly curtailed for the greater good of community safety, public health and environmental protection. It is a responsible step forward that allows the joy of celebration to continue without sacrificing the well-being of people and the planet.

Farzana Khan

Use crackers in open, supervised areas

Festivals bring light, unity and joy—but firecrackers often leave behind smoke, noise and danger. Bursting crackers releases toxic gases, chokes the air and disturbs peace with deafening noises. For children, the elderly and patients, this is not celebration but suffering. Each year, countless fire accidents and injuries are reported, turning moments of happiness into tragedy. The solution is not a complete ban, but regulation. Limiting firecracker use to designated safe zones and fixed timings strikes the right balance. Traditions remain alive, yet pollution and fire risks are controlled. Imagine a celebration where families enjoy fireworks in open supervised areas, without suffocating neighbourhoods or disturbing the sick. True festivity lies in joy, not in harm. By choosing responsible celebration, we can honour our culture, while protecting the environment and our loved ones. Festivals should sparkle with smiles, not with smoke.

Sonampreet Singh

Be more mindful while lighting firecrackers

As per the directives of the Apex Court, firecrackers can only be burst between 8 pm to 10 pm. The guidelines also stipulate cleanliness as a priority, advising residents to clean up after bursting firecrackers, to ensure that public spaces remain tidy and safe. To celebrate Diwali with crackers, opt for eco-friendly, certified green crackers, as they have lower noise levels. Choose only designated open areas away from flammable materials, buildings etc for bursting crackers. Never let children burst crackers unsupervised, and keep a bucket of water or fire-extinguisher nearby. Avoid using bottle rockets, stay at a safe distance from firecrackers, wear safety goggles and do not use contact lenses when lighting crackers. Always buy branded firecrackers and store crackers in a safe place. Avoid drinking alcohol while bursting crackers. Keep a first aid kit nearby. Post-firing, soak all used and unused fireworks in buckets of water before disposing these to prevent from reigniting. Be mindful of local time restrictions and avoid bursting crackers in crowded, narrow or indoor spaces like balconies or lobbies.

RS Sembhi

Respect tradition, ensure safety

In the land of festivals and cultural traditions, people celebrate happiness in many ways. Firecrackers have long been used as a symbol of joy and excitement. However, not everyone enjoys these, and their harmful effects often outweigh the temporary cheer these bring. There are many other meaningful ways to express happiness without causing harm. Firecrackers cause immense air pollution, which leads to serious health issues such as asthma, breathing difficulties and heart problems. The noise pollution created by crackers also disturbs students, patients, animals, and elderly people, sometimes leading to stress and mental health concerns. Celebrating festivals should not come at the cost of others’ well-being. Therefore, the use of firecrackers should be limited to designated zones and fixed timings. This approach respects traditions while ensuring safety and reducing pollution. True joy lies in celebrating responsibly and caring for the environment as well as for people’s health.

Veerpal Kaur

Celebrate pollution-free festivals

It is very important to limit the use of firecrackers to designated areas and designated times. Fireworks only bring happiness for a short time. Firecrackers cause a lot of air pollution and can be harmful to our health. Many people have asthma and have difficulty breathing due to pollution. The government should keep fixed hours like 8 pm to 11pm for allowing residents to burn crackers. Many accidents also happen to people due to firecrackers. If the government allows firecrackers only in specific places and for specified times, then people will get a chance to celebrate the festival and pollution will also be under control. There is also a lot of noise pollution from firecrackers, due to which even the elderly have to face a lot of trouble. The real meaning of festivals is to celebrate together and not to increase pollution and danger. People should be motivated to celebrate pollution-free festivals. Not only do firecrackers increase pollution, they also cost money. We should not pollute because keeping the environment clean is not only our responsibility, but also our duty.

Prabhjot Kaur

Use of firecrackers should be minimised

We should limit the use of firecrackers to designated areas and for designated periods to reduce fire hazards and pollution. The use of firecrackers should be minimised. When we use firecrackers, the pollution or smoke emitted from these is very harmful. Avoid accidents by using crackers in open designated areas away from houses, dry leaves, gas stations and other flammable materials. Otherwise, a single spark can set fire to nearby property and cause serious damage or loss of life. We should keep ourselves away from firecrackers. Sparks from firecrackers can also harm the body. Children should minimise the use of firecrackers. Firecrackers are harmful to us.

Anmol Singh

Make strict laws on sale of crackers

The use of firecrackers brings joy during festivals, but it also causes high levels of noise, air pollution and fire risks. To reduce these problems, the time for bursting crackers should be fixed in every city. This will help in minimising noise and air pollution. In areas where pollution levels are already very high, the use of firecrackers should be completely banned. Similarly, crackers should not be used near industrial areas where the risk of fire accidents is greater. The government should also frame strict rules and guidelines to control the sale and use of firecrackers. Special awareness campaigns can encourage people to celebrate in eco-friendly ways. Such steps will balance celebration with safety and care for the environment.

Navneet Singh

Will reduce fire hazards, health issues

Firecrackers are a part of festivals and celebrations, but their use should be safe and responsible. There should be fixed safe and clean places where people can use firecrackers. This will be very beneficial because it will reduce many dangers such as fire hazards, accidents and health issues. Having a fixed time for bursting crackers is also important. During festivals, many people continue to burst firecrackers late at night, sometimes till 2 am, this causes noise pollution and disturbs sleep. If there is a time limit, everyone can enjoy but also respect the peace of others. Fixed zones will also help in keeping streets and roads clean. Waste will be collected in one area instead of spreading everywhere. If anyone uses firecrackers outside the fixed places or after the fixed time, they should be fined. By following such rules, people can celebrate festivals with happiness, while also protecting health, safety and the environment.

Ishpreet Kaur

Promotes clean, safe environment

With festivals and celebrations, the burst of firecrackers often brings joy—but also fire hazards and pollution. Every year, uncontrolled use of firecrackers leads to accidents, respiratory problems and loud noise, disturbing both people and animals. Limiting firecrackers to designated zones and fixed timings can ensure safety and reduce pollution. It allows people to celebrate without putting lives or property at risk. Authorities can monitor zones more effectively, ensuring compliance, while promoting a cleaner and safer environment. Some may argue that this restricts tradition and festive freedom. However, a balanced approach—allowing celebrations within regulated areas and promoting eco-friendly firecrackers—can preserve the festive spirit, while protecting health and safety.

Harneet Kaur

Spread awareness on dangers of crackers

Making Limited use of firecrackers in designated zones and fixed timings to reduce fire hazards and pollution is a crucial step. To achieve this goal, we should first make people aware of the disadvantages of firecrackers. If people aware of these dangers there won’t be a need for much effort to limit their use. This is the responsibility of health authorities as well as educated people to make society aware of such disadvantages. Many diseases occur due to the pollution from firecrackers, so this is a very important issue from a health point of view. We can also penalise people who use firecrackers beyond the limits. Another suggestion is to offer only one hour in a large ground for firecrackers and only allow people to use small crackers, which do not create much noise and pollution. We can also suggests that people should avoid firecrackers by offering free counselling sessions on health related topics. Furthermore, we can offer rewards to those who provide such counselling, which encourages them to spread the lesson of limited and almost zero use of firecrackers.

Prabhjot Kaur

Responsible celebration need of hour

Yes, the use of firecrackers should be strictly limited to designated zones and fixed timings. Firecrackers cause significant air and noise pollution, which severely affects people with respiratory conditions, the elderly, children and animals. Unregulated use during festivals leads to dangerous fire hazards and a sharp decline in air quality, as seen in many cities post-celebrations. By assigning specific areas and time slots for bursting crackers, authorities can better manage safety and reduce pollution levels. It also allows emergency services to stay alert and respond effectively in case of accidents. Public awareness campaigns must accompany these regulations to ensure cooperation. Festivals should be celebrated joyfully, but not at the cost of health and environment. Responsible celebration is the need of the hour.

Japleen Kaur

Will help maintain cleanliness

Yes, firecrackers should be used only in some safe places and at fixed times. When people burst crackers anywhere, it can cause fires or accidents. Many people also get hurt because of them. Crackers make a lot of smoke, which pollutes the air and makes it hard to breathe, especially for kids, old and sick people. They also make very loud noise which disturbs babies, students and even animals. If we allow crackers only for a short time, there will be less pollution and less disturbance, but people can still celebrate festivals happily. Using these in special safe zones also keeps our roads and neighbourhoods clean. This way, everyone can enjoy the fun of crackers without harming the environment or others.

Ramandeep Kaur

Arrange organised firecracker shows

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to a matter that concerns both the environment and public safety—the unrestricted use of firecrackers during festive seasons. The celebrations of Diwali and other festivals are often considered incomplete without bursting crackers. While people enjoy the colourful displays, they often overlook the serious hazards associated with them. The heavy smoke and loud noise not only cause air and noise pollution, but the random bursting of crackers has also led to frequent accidents. To address this, it is high time that their use be confined to designated open zones with fixed timings. Organised firecracker shows can also be arranged during festivals so that people may enjoy the colourful bursts together, while keeping pollution and risks to a minimum. With this balanced approach, festivals can remain joyous without compromising on safety and sustainability.

Avleen Kaur

Avoid bursting crackers late at night

The festive season is around the corner, thus the use of firecrackers also increases significantly. In such scenarios, designated areas and fixed timing becomes an important measure. Firecrackers contribute to air and noise pollution and also lead to accidents. Thus, specific areas should be allotted which are open and safe so that such accidents are prevented. Moreover, fixed timings will prevent late night firecrackers bursting which will not disturb the sleep of peaceful city dwellers, especially old people.

Tanveen Kaur