Housing societies in Gurugram celebrated a green Diwali this year with the apex court’s ban on sale of crackers in Delhi-NCR acting as a catalyst.
Say no to crackers
“Say no to crackers” was the motto as residents joined hands to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali. They organised dinners, distributed sweets, sang songs, made elaborate rangolis and played games.
The increasing pollution levels are taking a toll on city residents, as respiratory problems and infections have increased manifold over the last few years.
The Supreme Court on 9 October banned the sale and purchase of firecrackers while the Punjab and Haryana high court on 13 October ordered a ban on the bursting of firecrackers except for three hours between 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
Alok Malhotra, a resident in DLF Phase 3, said they organised a dinner party in the residential complex. “We collected Rs 100 from every resident in our society and to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali we organised a dinner. Dinner is a chance to interact with each other,” said Malhotra.
Residents of Palam Vihar celebrated Diwali by making rangolis with eco-friendly colours and decorating homes with paper chandeliers.
“We need to control pollution levels. Being an occasion of happiness there are many ways to celebrate Diwali other than bursting crackers,” said Aditi Goswami, a resident.