New Delhi: Virender Sehwag on Monday called out the "hypocrisy" behind the cracker ban on Diwali. As per a tweet of the former Indian opener, many burst crackers after the India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup alleging some residents celebrated India's 10-wicket loss.
The former cricketer implied firecrackers were burst as some residents may be in support of the Pakistan cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021.
The former Indian cricketer questioned the "hypocrisy" behind such an act 'what's the harm in bursting crackers on Diwali' when it can be done before the festival.
Gautam Gambhir made a similar tweet alleging that those bursting crackers celebrating Pakistan's win 'can't be Indian' with the hashtag #Shameful.
A resident of Delhi, Sehwag reaction comes after the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in September ordered a complete ban on the sale and bursting of all types of firecrackers in the national capital till January 1, 2022.
Reason Behind Cracker Ban
The DPCC has directed District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners of Police to implement the directions and submit daily action taken reports to it.
The bursting of firecrackers under the prevalent pandemic crisis is not favourable for the cause of larger community health given the significant relationship between air pollution and respiratory infections, it said.
"Several experts have indicated a possibility of another surge of COVID-19 and largescale celebrations by bursting of firecrackers will result not only in agglomeration of people in violation of social distancing norms but also a high level of air pollution leading to serious health issues in Delhi," the order read
Delhi which during the winter months see a heightened amount of pollution due to stubble burning in neighbouring states gets worsened by bursting firecrackers. This makes it difficult for the general public's health especially the ones who already suffer from respiratory illnesses including asthma.
Not Just Air Pollution
Aside from extensive air pollution which fills the air with metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals, and smoke. Some of the toxins never fully decompose or disintegrate, poisoning everything they come in contact with.
Firecrackers also add to noise pollution which can cause hearing loss, stress, heart diseases, and high blood pressure. Sounds are measured in decibels, safe levels for human ears are anything below or at 70 but anything about 85 decibels is considered dangerous. Firecrackers decibels can reach 125 decibels, which is really unsafe.