As the festival of lights approaches, Hyderabad faces an environmental emergency with air quality parameters consistently breaching safe limits during Diwali celebrations. Environmental activists and civic groups across the city are intensifying their campaign for a greener, more sustainable festival that prioritizes public health over traditional firecracker use.
Alarming Pollution Levels Documented
Data from previous years reveals a disturbing pattern of environmental degradation during the festive period. PM2.5 levels exceeded 200 while PM10 levels crossed 250 at multiple monitoring stations across Hyderabad during last year's Diwali celebrations. These figures represent significant breaches of permissible air quality standards and pose serious health threats to residents.
Dr Tejas Jogi, a prominent pulmonologist, explained the direct health implications: "Every year after Diwali, we witness a dramatic increase in air and noise pollution levels. The city's Air Quality Index frequently drops into the 'poor' category, creating particularly dangerous conditions for individuals suffering from asthma, allergies, and heart conditions."
Health Risks and Environmental Damage
The campaign for an eco-friendly Diwali addresses multiple environmental concerns beyond air pollution. Environmentalists have highlighted that noise levels from firecrackers regularly exceed the permissible limit of 125 decibels, causing distress to children, elderly citizens, and animals.
Kolipaka Prakash, a Hyderabad-based environmental activist, emphasized the broader perspective: "Choosing an eco-friendly Diwali doesn't mean reducing the joy of celebration. It's about reimagining our traditions in ways that bring people together without causing harm to our environment. Lighting traditional earthen diyas, creating organic rangolis, and participating in community events can create equally memorable experiences."
Community Initiatives Gain Momentum
Across Hyderabad, residential communities are taking proactive measures to promote sustainable celebrations. Numerous housing societies are organizing collective festivities featuring cultural performances and community events designed to provide entertainment alternatives to firecracker use.
Mohd Haseeb, president of a housing society in Khairatabad, shared their motivation: "Beyond environmental considerations, we've witnessed unfortunate incidents including fire accidents and burn injuries during previous Diwali celebrations. To ensure resident safety and support environmental consciousness, we're organizing games and special events within our apartment complex this year."
The movement toward sustainable celebrations represents a growing awareness among Hyderabad residents about the interconnectedness of traditional practices, public health, and environmental protection. As Diwali approaches, the city stands at a crossroads between maintaining cherished traditions and adopting new practices that safeguard the wellbeing of all citizens.
