Despite mounting concerns about air pollution in Delhi-NCR, a recent survey conducted by Localcircles, a prominent pollster on governance, public and consumer issues, and a community social media platform, found that 32% of families in the region are planning to burst firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali festival. At the same time, 43% of respondents have indicated that their concerns about air pollution in the national capital have deterred them from participating in firecracker celebrations.
The survey, which garnered over 9,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad, provides insights into the choices and perspectives of people regarding Diwali festivities, particularly related to the use of firecrackers.
In response to the question, “What do you plan to do this Diwali in regard to firecrackers?” the survey findings revealed the following:
- 43% of respondents stated that they will refrain from bursting firecrackers due to concerns about pollution.
- 6% will not use firecrackers because of the ban on their sale and use in their city.
- 13% expressed their desire to use firecrackers but noted their unavailability in their city.
- 6% confirmed that they will burst firecrackers and have already obtained them from Delhi.
- 13% indicated their intention to burst firecrackers and have already procured them from cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Another 13% disclosed their plans to burst firecrackers and have access to sources for obtaining them.
6% of respondents did not provide a clear response, choosing “can’t say.”
While the majority of Delhi-NCR residents attribute air pollution to stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, data from previous years has shown a significant increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels the day after Diwali compared to the previous day. Despite stubble burning being a significant contributor to air pollution, the survey underscores the adverse impact of firecracker bursting on air quality.
The survey also highlights the differing regulations regarding firecracker sales. While the sale of firecrackers is prohibited in Delhi, it remains allowed in neighboring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Consequently, residents in Delhi have been known to procure firecrackers from these neighboring regions in recent years.
As Diwali approaches, the survey provides insights into the complex interplay of cultural traditions, environmental concerns, and regional regulations, as people make choices about how they will celebrate the festival of lights in the midst of air pollution challenges.