Kids are the most excited during Diwali. So, what better way to spread awareness about green Diwali  than hosting the ‘Go Green Diwali Campaign’ in schools. That is exactly what the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee and NGO Yuvsatta did to educate kids about the harmful effects of firecrackers on the environment and how they could contribute by being a responsible citizen.

Chanchal Singh, Deputy Director, School Education explained to the students about the hazards of firecrackers. He said that pyrotechnic chemicals that produce heat, light, gas, smoke and/or sound are used in firecrackers to make them shoot up in the air and explode. These have very adverse effects on the environment.

He cautioned young ones to wear cotton clothes, use firecrackers only in the presence of elders and keep a bucket of water handy in case of any emergency.

Santosh Kumar, vice-chairman, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee and Director, Department of Environment said that it is heartening to see that more people now consider bursting crackers as a health hazard and harmful for the environment. He said that during Diwali, the pollution level shoots up to 10 to 15 times the permissible limits. So it is the responsibility of all citizens to protect their environment by celebrating Diwali in a green way. He suggested making homemade sweets, gifting plants, saying no harmful crackers.

Pramod Sharma, coordinator of Yuvsatta said that there is no harm in celebrating Diwali the traditional way by decorating homes with lamps and enjoying with sparklers and less polluting firecrackers.

Over 2,500 students pledged to observe a green Diwali and stay away from crackers at the conclusion of the programme.