"Burst crackers together in isolated areas," Dr. Ravi Kannan; "COVID survivors must stay at home," Dr. Babul Bezbaruah

Diwali is a festival of light. It is celebrated across the country as a victory against the darkness, divine against the devil. However, we are in the middle of a pandemic and the COVID19 infection still looms large over humanity as a cloud of uncertainity. It is death – thy’s servant and it can cross that unknown sea any moment. That is why, world over, restrictions are at place and the Prime Minister of India often says, “Jab tak dawai nahi, tab tak dhilai nahi.”

In some states, firecrackers have been banned and in a few some restrictions have been imposed. The Health Minister of Assam, however, said Hindus have the right to celebrate their festivals like other religions and that gave a nudge to those who were unsure if they must burst crackers this year.

“Ab pura jahan dhua dhua hoga” posted a resident of Silchar in response to Himanta Biswa Sarma’s post. But what will happen to the thousands of COVID survivors? “Respiratory insufficiency would be the major problem to COVID patients,” said Dr. Babul Bezbaruah, Principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital. He added, “There will be air pollution which may lead to respiratory distress to COVID patients and survivours.”

Diwali comes once a year, and for most of the country, 2020 has been mostly dark. It brought sad news, of despair, death, and disaster. In such a scenario, with COVID cases coming under control it is obvious that in places like Barak Valley, people will break free and light that rocket or 125 stars and all other fire-crackers selling in the market.

“I don’t want to stop people from having fun, but people must have fun responsibly,” says Padma Shri Dr. Ravi Kannan. He explains, “Respiratory issue is the biggest issue among COVID survivours. Many of them will remain short of breath long after the COVID virus leaves their body. Any pollution including the smoke emitted from the fire-crackers will worsen their respiratory process.”

It is clear that fire-crackers won’t make the COVID survivours’ life any easier. But Padma Shri Kannan has an idea that could make it a little less worrisome. “We don’t need to burst crackers at all of our houses, instead we can make it a community activity,” said Kannan.

“All of us can accumulate at one place far away from residential areas, like Silchar DSA or any other isolated field and there we can burst crackers. That will save the neighbourhood from air as well as physical pollution. People can gather and celebrate and at the same time keep their neighbourhood clean,” advised Kannan.

Dr. Babul Bezbaruah’s advice for the COVID survivours is “To stay at home.”

Though the festive brings a sense of positivity, pollution can cause deeper wounds this Diwali.