Mumbai: Several city-based residential societies have decided to celebrate a noiseless and pollution free Diwali this year by not bursting firecrackers. More than 1,000 families across the city will instead light candles and donate money to a charitable cause. The decision was taken in a bid to spread awareness about the hazardous effect of firecrackers on the ecosystem.
The residents of the Nahar Amrit Shakti township located in Chandivali, Andheri East, have pledged to fight against pollution and noise. The residents of the township went on an awareness march to encourage others to go green this Diwali. The residents want to draw attention to the delicate state of the environment and especially encourage the youth to make this a festival of lights and not noise. The society elders have taken on the responsibility to explain to children the true spirit behind the festival, so that they can enjoy the festival in an eco friendly manner.
The vice chairperson of the township, Ms Manju Yagnik explains, “Society members belonging to all age groups, beginning from small kids to the elderly, marched with placards and a self-illuminating tree in their hands. While the celebratory spirit and excitement of Diwali is unmatched, it is imperative to celebrate responsibly by causing least harm to the environment. We believe that change is an individual choice and as a group we need to stand together and bring forth that change. This forward thinking initiative is here to stay and will only grow in scale year on year,” she said.
The Lodha society located near Manpada in Thane, have also pledged not to burst fire crackers. One of the residents, Ulhas Karle, said: “Every festival was created to make us pause and reflect, rediscover and express gratitude to the true spirit of the occasion we are celebrating. What is more important is how consciously we choose to celebrate it.”
