It is Gurpurab today, and due to severe pollution, I felt dizzy, so I slept through the day as I lack the energy to venture out. At 6 p.m., I woke up to the sound of loud crackers bursting. It is dark already. I took 3–4 pumps of an asthalin inhaler and went outside. As I light candles and diyas with my family to celebrate the day, I can hear the nonstop burning of noisemakers.
These are red-in-color bijli bombs that can be purchased in packs of 1000 and burn continuously. Fun? not for people like me with sensitive lungs. Well, there are old people with heart problems, sick children, animals, and others. Why are we passive victims of this preventable pollution?
Useless governments. What are these leaders afraid of? Why is strict adherence not possible? We are heading towards doom, and humans will be the first victims. But who cares? A two-minute thrill overpowers other concerns.
The sellers earn crores from selling these fancy bombs and crackers. Corrupt politicians and bureaucrats profit in the process. What are common people earning? Why does a parent not scold a child who asks to light bombs, rockets, and so on? but buys the stuff himself.
A decade or so ago, there was a special stall for crackers because they were considered dangerous. Well, now, thanks to marketing and false advertising, they are showcased at grocery stores. And some highly chemical-laden boxes mislead and read “no pollution.” And there is no agency to verify their claims. For how long will this insanity remain? I cannot say. I am not very hopeful that it will change easily.
Feeling tired, depressed, or having a headache? Thanks to air pollution! Stay indoors. Take steam for a dry cough. Humidity is essential. Please, God, we need rain.