The Indian Navys unique move of not using fireworks display for its Navy Day celebrations,has been welcomed by the environmentalists and made political parties pledge to be more environmentally-conscious during the upcoming civic elections. Traditionally,the finale of the Navy Day celebrations features a scintillating display of fireworks and illuminated ships. However,this year the Navy decided to not use fireworks. It was a conscious decision to avoid fireworks because of the Navys concern for the environment. It was a gesture to create awareness and raise consciouness among people regarding the environment. Such small steps can bring about a change, said Captian Manoj Nambiar,Chief Public Relations Officer,Defence. Environmentalists welcomed the Navys stand,lauding them for making an environment-friendly statement. This is a great step. The Navy,like banning plastics,has done many good things but unfortunately civilians havent followed them, Sumaiara Abdulali,environmentalist and convenor of anti-noise NGO Awaaz Foundation said. Crackers contain chemicals such as cadmium,copper,lead,aluminium,selenium and other heavy metals,which are known to have serious and Irreversible effects on human health,said Abdulali. These metals can cause cancer,asthma,diabetes and multiple neurological disorders. They also drive up noise levels way above the permissible limits. Besides festivals,crackers are extensively used during special occasions,political rallies,cricket matches and civic elections,say environmentalists. If the Navy has recognised fireworks as hazardous to the environment,so should others. Even though there is a ban on using crackers during civic elections,violations are reported every year,especially when results are declared, said Abdulali. Political parties have promised to be more careful during the upcoming civic elections. Anything that is anti-environment should be done away with and we will ensure that no firecrackers are used during these civic elections. A complaint can also be registered against the candidate who is found using firecrackers, said Vinod Shekhar,Congress corporator. We are planning to tell our candidates to minimise the use of firecrackers due to the pollution they cause. The non usage of firecrackers will also help in bringing down the election expenditure, said Rahul Shewale,Shiv Sena corporator and standing committee chairman.
