Sir — The West Bengal government has ‘advised’ people against the use of firecrackers during Diwali and Kali Puja in view of the Covid-19 pandemic (“Advice against crackers”, Nov 4). The National Green Tribunal as well as doctors have expressed concern that fireworks-induced pollution could be hazardous for Covid-19 patients as the virus can cause more damage amidst an already volatile situation.

It is disappointing that instead of imposing a ban on the bursting of crackers the state government has left it to the good sense of the people to refrain from it. It is well-known that even the threat of legal action mostly falls on deaf ears. Even when the common people try to protest against the use of firecrackers, they are met with verbal abuse from a section of the unruly revellers.

The problem is that most political parties in India focus more on populism — to win elections and stay in power — than good governance. For the latter, one must take decisions that are best for the country and its people, irrespective of its consequences. In this context, the governments of Rajasthan and Odisha, which have prohibited the sale and use of fireworks, are exceptions.

Jahar Saha,
Calcutta

Sir — The Supreme Court must consider imposing a total ban on the sale of firecrackers permanently, given that they pose grave health hazards. The smoke that emanates from bursting firecrackers pollutes the environment because of the chemicals used in them. During Diwali, the level of respirable suspended particulate matter goes up considerably, making the air unhealthy to breathe. Firecrackers also emit carbon dioxide, which causes global warming.

The bursting of crackers also results in the generation of a great amount of non-biodegradable dry waste, that could add to soil pollution. Studies have shown that chemical particles also contaminate water bodies as they penetrate the soil and mix with the groundwater, rendering it unfit for consumption.

R. Sivakumar,
Chennai

Sir — One must express one’s gratitude to the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal for its concern regarding the consequences of bursting firecrackers for Covid-19 patients. People are used to celebrating Kali Puja and Diwali with firecrackers, but this could create serious health hazards for many. One hopes that the people of Bengal heed the government’s advice and refrain from bursting crackers.

Shyamal Thakur,
Ramnagar, East Burdwan

Stand tall

Sir — Massive protests in Poland have succeeded in delaying the tightening of oppressive abortion laws in the country. In spite of the pandemic, people came out on to the streets in numbers to protest against the curbing of a woman’s right over her own body. It is shameful that even in this day and age, governments try to deprive women of their most basic rights, such as that of exercising her choice in whether or not to give birth. The fight must go on until such unjust laws are entirely repealed.

Annesha Ganguly,
Calcutta