Let’s celebrate ‘smokefree’ Diwali
The arrival of COVID19 has sent a strong message of unity and cleanliness among the people in the society. This year, since the month of March all the festivals, too, have been celebrated in a low key approach.
Akash Dhanurkar
With Diwali just a few days away the civic authorities are constantly voicing on keeping the festival simple and silent. The environment activists and nature lovers, too, are voicing to celebrate Diwali without crackers.
Pune Pulse spoke with a few responsible society members from Wakad and Pimple Saudagar, who are urging to celebrate smoke free Diwali to avoid any kind of health problems during COVID crisis.
IPS KRISHNA PRAKASH, Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate urged people to follow law and order in Diwali. He said, “I wish the citizens to celebrate Diwali smoke free and full of lights. Buy and lit a diya as that will generate business for poor people. Avoid playing gambling and other anti social elements that will invite a raid and legal trouble. Let’s not make life difficult for patients of COVID19 and other illnesses. Have a happy and prosperous Diwali, my citizens.”
VIVEK MUGALIKAR, Senior Police Inspector Wakad Police Station, said, “This Diwali, we shall set a different example by celebrating it smoke free. The pollution that is caused can harm people recovered from COVID19. I wish citizens have Happy and Safe Diwali. Do not let social distancing go for a toss.”
SANDYA WAGH, ward officer, PCMC ‘D’ ward said, “To be honest, it is possible to celebrate cracker free Diwali, because COVID has already caused such huge loss and we cannot afford any further complications or health emergencies. The smoke from the crackers can make life uneasy for the COVID19 patients and also for them who have just cured from the virus.”
KIRAN VADGAMA, chairman, Palash CHS Ltd, and a social worker said, “Many doctors have advised that the smoke generated from firecrackers is and can be dangerous and harmful for people who are suffering from COVID – 19 and are under quarantine, especially senior citizens. Many state governments have also made this request to its citizens. I am humbly requesting one and all to celebrate this Diwali in the true spirit and let it be a true spectrum of ‘Festival of Lights’ this time.”
VINOD SURVE from Kunal Icon society, said, “Smoke free Diwali is necessity of the hour. So many people have suffered respiratory issues due to COVID, so why do we make it even worse for them by polluting the air? Not just this year, but every coming every year we must celebrate Diwali of lights and free of smoke. “
SHRIKANT SHIVPUJE, chairman of Wisteria Housing Society, said, “I have supported ‘smoke free Diwali’ for the last couple of years. And this time, due to COVID, I think there should be maximum awareness on not polluting the environment anymore.”
TEJASWINI DOMSE, Chairman,Pimpri Chinchwad Citizens Federation said, “I definitely support green Diwali, and this time due to COVID, the condition turn worse if not taken precaution. I urge people to avoid gathering in masses.
Let’s light the lamp of unity without gathering; let’s fail the COVID from spreading anymore.
