The bangs and fizzles of fireworks are rapidly increasing. Be it a New Years’ eve or India’s most popular festival, Diwali, the most important thing that people follows is the bursting of firecrackers which by the way now has become a tradition. It is a known fact now that the dazzling displays and the loud noises which comes from the firecrackers affects the environment and every living beings on earth. A a lot of research has been done on the effects of pollution during pregnancy. In fact, the harmful fumes from crackers can cause miscarriage, delay growth of children and those suffering from respiratory illness and pregnant women suffers the most. The Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has said in an affidavit to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

In a media report released by Hindustan Times, the WCD Ministry submitted the above information to MoEF so that they can present a combined view before the Supreme Court which is hearing a matter seeking a ban on the sale of crackers in the country. A senior WCD ministry official was quoted in the same report saying, “We wanted to become a party in the case going on in the apex court as the issue directly concerns us. Bursting of firecrackers has grave implications on the health and well being of women and children. We have submitted our views in an affidavit to the environment ministry.”

The Ministry has given a detailed information as to how the chemicals in the firecrackers affects us. “… children, pregnant women and those suffering from respiratory illness suffer the most due to excessive noise and chemicals emitted by firecrackers…. the harmful fumes while firing crackers can lead to miscarriage…. petitioner is of the view that due control is necessary on firecrackers to eliminate or limit risks to women and children from such noise and air pollution,” reads the affidavit.

They have also mentioned about instances and researches of firecracker industries that promote child labour. The WCD ministry has cited a study which was done by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in 2013 that found that factories in Tamil Nadu such as fireworks, matches and the one which produces incense stick employ children aged between 5-15 years who work for more than 12 hours a day.

In the recent times, Health experts have agreed to the harmful effect of smoke and noise from firecrackers on the health of individuals. Breathing in air pollutants can cause harm to a baby in the womb. The foetus once developed begins to respond to the sounds it hears from outside. In October 2017, the Supreme Court reinstated its ban on the sale of firecrackers in and around Delhi ahead of Diwali. The above affidavit prepared by WCD officials highlights major points that causes enormous affect to the women and children.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 14, 2018 12:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).