Crackerless Deepawali::2009

This came from a friend as an appeal.I thought it was inspiring enough to share.

Though this is a tall ask but yet worth the thought, and I feel worth translating into action.Read on...

“CRACKERLESS DEEPAVALI - 2009”

Sub : “Happy Deepavali Without Crackers”

Having responsibility and commitment towards prevention of pollution and environment, I am just making an appeal to all my Team mates, Friends and Colleagues that - This year could we celebrate a clean and pollution-free Deepavali?

Hope every body is aware that, Deepavali is a festival of lights, exchanging of gifts and sweets, not for bursting crackers. As you all know, Bursting of crackers on Deepavali is not safe for environment. It causes noise and air pollution and may involve child labour while making it. Taking this simple yet effective step, with your family, we could help make our environment clean. Each year, the wide spread use of fire-crackers increases air pollution in our state, leading to many health problems like Asthma, Bronchitis and Heart attacks. Moreover, noise pollution beyond 125 db - the maximum level tolerable by the human ear-can even cause deafness. Are you aware of the impact of bursting fire crackers on the environment?

It affects environment in the following ways :

� Air Pollution affecting health especially to diseased persons, aged people, children & pregnant women.

� Crackers like "Atom bomb & Bullet bomb" and "Lakshmi Vedi" contain highly toxic heavy metals like cadmium, lead, copper, manganese and zinc.

� Other type of crakers like “Mathappu & Kambi Mathappui, Chakkaram, Chatttai and Pencil varieties” have arsenic, mercury, chromium and iron oxides which lead to severe pollution after they are burnt.

� According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India , 95 per cent of the crackers available in the market violate noise and air pollution norms

� Increased Noise levels can cause deafness/stress to many.

� It takes several weeks to bring back normal air quality.

� Fire hazards causing heavy damages to life and property.

By celebrating this Deepavali with new dress / eating delicious sweets and enjoying with gifts exchange instead of crackers, we keep our environment safe from pollution. Hope, I am sure you do not want others and yourself to suffer.

So, let's get cracking and convince our family members, friends and neighbours to join us in 'no' to crackers.

It really needs concerted efforts from all of us to spread this message effectively by committing ourselves must first set a good example for others.

Thanking You and Wish You a Very Happy Clean and Pollution Free Deepavali!!