With just a day to go for Deepavali, shops trading in firecrackers are reporting an all-time poor business. While the traders cite several reasons like GST, low production and rainy climate for the slump in sales, they do firmly believe that the anti-cracker campaign by social activists has influenced the masses and made people re-visit the decision of buying crackers.
“I have been selling crackers for the past 15 years. And, I've never witnessed such a dull Deepavali. Cracker business is completely seasonal and the present sales make us think of quitting this business,” laments a cracker trader at the Lawley Road Junction.
The trader also shared that "Parents are advising their children to refrain from bursting crackers as they spike the pollution levels. Such campaigns by social activists and educational institutions have largely attributed to the decline in cracker sales. Adding fuel to the prevailing dullness, the hike in cracker price is another major issue this season. When compared to last year, a Flower Pot (large) that was sold for Rs.125 is now priced at Rs.150 There is a 20% hike in price on all cracker varieties".
"Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the business, as profits have been plummeting year after year. Moreover, stocking the unsold crackers is a huge problem. This year the unsold stock would be certainly more than last year . While the outlets on prominent locations are still doing brisk business, small and medium ones are keeping their fingers crossed ", said Murugan, a trader.
"Five years ago , there were at least 20 cracker outlets on a stretch of 3 kms. But now there is barely one or two", he lamented.
We caught up with a 6-year-old kid, Krish who was busy playing near a sweet stall at Edayarpalayam. "I said 'No' to crackers this Deepavali, as my teacher has told me about the pollution caused due to bursting crackers. And, moreover my pet "Timmy" is very scared of the noise created by crackers. So, I am not bursting crackers anymore", the little one shared.
"It is good that people's attitude towards crackers is changing. It's a misconception that bursting crackers is an ancient way of celebrating Deepavali. Before 1940, we never celebrated Deepavali by bursting crackers. Our ancestors celebrated Deepavali by exchanging sweets, wearing new clothes and not by bursting crackers. Many of us are unaware of the aftermath of bursting crackers; it's just not about air and noise pollution. Small or big, every time when we burst a cracker they unleash toxic chemicals like sulphur, and potassium nitrate into the atmosphere we live in," points out Swarajit Alaknanda, a social activist and Founder of NGO "So Aware".
This year, Swarajit and his team have created an awareness video on the ill-effects of crackers on people and the environment. "The carcinogenic chemicals used in crackers not only seep into human lungs but also soil and water. And, the plastic debris they scatter throughout the city is another menace. Like the ban imposed in New Delhi, use of crackers should be completely banned throughout our nation", he added.
"Our awareness campaign wouldn't just end after Deepavali. We are planning to continue this campaign until we reach our desired goal which is 'Complete ban on crackers'. Lets's embrace this Deepavali without poisoning the environment", requests Swarajit.