In a detailed and heartfelt appeal to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mumbai-based advocate Hitendra Gandhi has called for immediate intervention to tackle the recurring public health, environmental damage, and animal suffering caused by the unchecked bursting of firecrackers during festive seasons, especially Diwali.
“The right to celebrate should never overshadow the fundamental right to live in safety and dignity. Regulating carbide fireworks is no longer just about legal compliance; it’s a matter of life,” stated Mr. Gandhi. He added, “The petition urges the NHRC to launch a nationwide study, issue clear public advisories, and recommend proactive regulatory measures against the production and use of dangerous carbide fireworks, all while preserving the cultural and religious essence of Diwali.”
This appeal, submitted shortly after Diwali 2025, leverages extensive data from both government and independent sources. These figures reveal alarming post-festival spikes in air pollution, with PM2.5 levels soaring up to 700 µg/m³, which is nearly 12 times the acceptable limit. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru reported air quality index (AQI) levels ranging from “very poor” to “severe” within hours of Diwali night. This air quality degradation was tragically accompanied by a surge in hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses. Numerous peer-reviewed studies and continuous monitoring by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) consistently confirm that even brief exposure to firecracker pollutants poses severe health risks to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with existing chronic conditions.
Mr. Gandhi also highlighted the escalating danger posed by illegal carbide-based firecrackers. In Bhopal alone, over 60 individuals, predominantly children, required hospitalization during Diwali due to explosions from calcium carbide devices. Bengaluru reported more than 75 firecracker-related injuries, overwhelming local burn units. These improvised “carbide guns,” as he warned, bypass all certified manufacturing and safety standards, yet they are freely available in markets and even promoted through online videos. “Their widespread use has transformed what should be a joyful celebration into a repetitive public safety nightmare,” Mr. Gandhi asserted in his representation, imploring the NHRC to recommend a nationwide ban on carbide-based firecrackers and the removal of all online content encouraging their production.
Animal welfare organizations have documented hundreds of injuries to both pets and stray animals, while urban green spaces and water bodies suffer from chemical residue and litter. To address this, Mr. Gandhi has proposed the creation of emergency animal rescue networks, mandatory post-celebration cleanup operations, and scientific testing of leaf-dust and soil-residue to accurately assess the chemical impact. He also advocated for robust public awareness campaigns aimed at fostering greater compassion towards animals during festive periods. “Sentient animals and urban vegetation are the unspoken victims; their suffering and damage gravely undermine the ecological balance essential for human life,” the representation emphasized.
The appeal further argues that the yearly accumulation of pollutants represents a significant environmental debt passed on to future generations, framing the issue as a matter of intergenerational justice. He referenced pivotal judgments, including Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar, M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, and Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, all of which unequivocally uphold the State’s constitutional duty to protect citizens from pollution and safeguard their right to life.
Among his actionable requests, Mr. Gandhi urged the NHRC to commission a national study into festival-related pollution and animal distress, issue public advisories promoting certified green crackers and eco-friendly celebrations, and recommend stringent state-level enforcement of approved cracker use, restricted bursting hours, and controls based on real-time air quality index (AQI) levels. He also called for mandatory post-festival reporting on pollution levels, injuries, and enforcement actions, with all findings made public to ensure full transparency and accountability.
“The true brilliance of any celebration is not measured by the fire it burns, but by the compassion it inspires. When our skies are choked with smoke, when animals cower in terror, when trees are darkened by soot, and when lives are tragically lost to reckless explosions, the very light we claim to celebrate casts its own grim shadow,” he concluded. The NHRC has yet to issue a response to this significant representation.