‘Burst crackers but not your ears’ seems to be the message schools are spreading among children this Diwali. Schools across the city are encouraging children to spend a noise-free Diwali by not firing crackers, or sticking to ones that do not make a lot of noise.
Schools are asking children to be sensitive to their neighbour’s ears through awareness programmes, lessons and morning assemblies.
Students of nearly 35 city schools have pledged to become champions for ‘Green Diwali’. Around 3,000 students will stand on arterial roads with banners and posters urging people to not fire crackers.
In charge of this programme, Vinodini Lulla, trustee and Mumbai coordinator of Children’s Movement of Civic Awareness, said, “Lighting, sparklers, the loud noise of crackers thrill people but cause intense pollution. The noise leads to hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and disturbed sleep.”
“We do not use crackers even at the school Diwali party. We have been teaching students about crackers’ harmful effects on the environment,” said Deepshikha Shrivastav, principal, Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri.
Perin Bagli, principal of Activity High School, Peddar Road, said, “Noise levels are already high and tend to exacerbate during festivals. Many crackers cause hearing damage to people in the vicinity. Hence, we are asking students to help orphans or donate money to the poor. That way, we celebrate the true spirit of Diwali.”
