Jharkhand’s medical fraternity has appealed to the state government and the public at large to walk the extra mile to ensure a smoke-free Diwali in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has seen the state’s case load climb to over a lakh.

Doctors fear that fall in temperatures due to the onset of winter, coupled with increase in air pollution due to bursting of crackers, may pose serious health challenges for those who have recovered from a coronavirus infection and those with breathing problems.

The state chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IAM) has, therefore urged everyone to observe a cracker-free Diwali on November 14.

“More than noise, smoke from crackers will pose serious challenges in our fight against the pandemic,” said Jharkhand IMA president Dr A.K. Singh. “Experts have already predicted a second wave of Covid-19 cases during winter. Since Covid affects the lungs the most, even those who have recovered from the virus will be vulnerable because their immunity and respiratory system would still be fragile. Bursting of smoke emitting crackers will be lethal,” he explained.

According to pulmonologist Dr Suman Bharvaga, during winter, the phenomenon of dryness in the ambient air poses respiratory problems among people. “The situation turns problematic for people with asthma or other respiratory disorders. An additional load of pollution in the air will only make things worse given that the majority of Covid cases in our state are of those who have comorbidities,” he said, specifying that he would prefer a total ban on crackers this time.

Jharkhand IMA chief Singh said the impact of unlock followed by Durga Puja festival which went by last week would start showing in the coming days.

During Puja, safety norms were flouted in most places. For example, despite the state government advisories, crowds swelled on streets, many people without masks, on the night of Ashtami and Navami while restaurants in commercial areas like Bistupur and Sakchi in Jamshedpur ran out of place.

In Ranchi, areas like Main Road and Kutchery Chowk remained abuzz with people even though Pujas in the city were low-key.

State health secretary Nitin Kulkarni said they were busy studying the Covid cases trend of Durga Puja before issuing guidelines for Diwali.

An official in the state disaster management department said SOPs for Diwali would be issued in the latter half of next week. “SOPs for Kali puja samitis too will be more or less the same as that of Durga Puja. With regard to crackers during Diwali, a decision has to be taken at the highest level as many traders, who are already hit by the lockdown, will not want a ban. The chief minister will have to take a final call,” he said.