Festivals And The Environment Introduction

"One of the conditions of the band carrying on touring is that we do everything we can to minimise our impact on the environment. What we're trying to do now is only play in areas that have a public transport infrastructure in place. So that rules out Glastonbury for this year. Maybe we can work out a plan for the future. Theyre probably sick of the sight of us anyway." This might have come as quite a shock to the Glastonbury team who have managed to successfully promote public transport to the Somerset site - in 2007, 22,500 people came by coach and another 10,000 by regular and specially organised trains. The organisers also promote lift share - where people share cars - trying to get the audience to help reduce the Festival's carbon footprint. In fact Glastonbury is a good example of the host of good examples put in place to minimise the environmental impact of music events. Festivals as diverse as Reading, Latitude, Bestival, Sunrise and Download have all encompassed new ideas - concentrating on minimising waste, recycling, re-using, protecting the environment and wildlife, saving water and reducing CO2 emissions. Latitude launched a successful cup deposit scheme in 2007 which vastly reduced the disposal of plastic glasses as waste; Glastonbury and a number of other festivals have composting toilets and make compost from waste and festivals use the sun and the wind to power stages, lights and public address systems. some festivals even have pedal powered discos! Recent research by Buckinghamshire New University for the campaign website www.agreenerfestival.com made it clear that music fans were waking up to green issues - over 80% of the music fans sampled saw traffic, noise and waste as potential negative impacts of festivals - and 56% thought that CO2 emissions were a problem - up 25% in just two years. It's time for everyone to wake up to these issue. Many festival organisers are doing a lot to be more environmentally friendly - and it seems bands are too. But the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions from a festival are the audience - the fans - and they are the ones who can help with reducing and recycling waste too. Glastonbury had a massive problem in 2007 with tents left on site - in fact its recycling rate dropped from 50% to 38% as the wet conditions prevented the usually well managed recycling programme from working properly. 38% is still good, but it is not good enough and it's worth knowing that some festivals actually manage to recycle 90% plus of their waste. There were the tens of thousands of fans coming to the festival one or two to a car - producing a massive carbon footprint. Glastonbury has a new moto - "Love the Farm, Leave no trace" and Agreenerfestival have a 'leave no trace' policy too. These moto's need to be in everyone's psyche - everyone really needs to minimise their own environmental impact.

So what can you do? Well, Agreenerfestival and music industry climate change group Julie's Bicycle have produced some tips for the home and small businesses and you can click on these here at Julie's Bicycle tips. On top of that here are some practical tips on being green at concerts and festivals in 2008. 1. If you can, travel by public transp 2. If you use a car, lift share - four to a car is really quite environmentally friendly 3. Make sure the event you go to has an environmental policy or green ideas 4. Reduce what you take to just what you actually need 5. Take your tent home 6. Buy durable products, returnable bottles and containers that can be re-filled 7. Look out for recycled goods and those packaged in recycled materials 8. Cut down on packaging by buying your fruit and vegetables loose 9. Buy local, fair-trade and organic food, drinks and products - at stalls if possible 10. use re-sealable containers to keep your food fresh 11. Use rechargeable batteries 12. Avoid the queues charge your mobile with your own echarger www.echarger.co.uk 13. Smokers can take portable ashtrays the ashcan www.ashcan.co.uk 14. Do you need to take bottled water? And re-use your bottle at the taps or www.belu.org 15. Re-use whatever you can 16. Recycle what you cannot re-use 17. Remember - reduce - re-use - recycle 18. Leave no trace just footsteps and memories It not really that difficult and most festivals now have recycling bins as a minimum. If they dont dont go! We all love live music so we know you want to have fun, but if you just spare five minutes a day for the planet we are going to have a much greener future!

What do festival goers think about Environmentally Friendly Practices (EFPs)? Comments from festival-goers did indicate a general concern for the natural environment, and a majority awareness that endeavours for its protection should be pursued. 74% agreed or strongly agreed that all festivals should implement EFPs. 91% think that organisers should be responsible for minimising any damaging effects that a festival may have. Of the specific impacts explored in the festival-goer questionnaire, traffic and waste were the two impacts that were most agreed upon with 70% strongly agreeing or agreeing, and 71% strongly agreeing or agreeing consecutively. Water wastage seems to be the least concerning impact with 36% agreeing or strongly agreeing. Results indicate that whilst festival-goers think that EFPs should be implemented by festivals, only 27% consider it to be important when choosing which event to attend.

Of the comparison groups females, and more frequent festival attendees appeared more environmentally conscious. The comparison between age groups yielded less conclusive results, although the age 24-35 age group indicated the highest concern for environmental issues.

What do festival organisers think about Environmentally Friendly Practices? Of the festival organisers/professionals questioned 2/3 of the festivals had an environmental policy or implemented some kind of EFPs. The methods most mentioned were recycling and traffic reduction. This is in line with the festival-goers most concerning impacts. Most organisers believe that festival-goers are becoming more concerned about the environmental impact of festivals, although it was 50/50 as to whether competitive advantage can be gained. It was suggested that headline acts are more influential in drawing a crowd as opposed to environmental management. EFPs as a marketing tool was suggested. It was highlighted by one respondent that environmental protection is not about competition, but about saving the planet. One organiser who does implement EFPs suggested it was a competitive disadvantage due to the extra costs that could otherwise be spent on artists. Most organisers had noticed a move towards EFPs at festivals in their experience. The most persuasive factors for implementing EFPs were legislation, financial incentives, support from the local council and more information regarding the issues and solutions. Some organisers also stated that they already have EFPs and do not need persuading. Just 1/3 organisers were familiar with any environmental legislation affecting festivals. Areas of legislation raised included those regarding health and safety, noise pollution, local council rules on pollution, litter and emissions policies and land regulations. Most believed that environmental legislation was likely to increase in the future. Costs associated with environmental protection were a large concern for festival organisers, and the main reason highlighted for not implementing such. Market incentives such as labelling schemes exist and the price of disposing of waste, energy and water are increasing. This means the environmentally friendly option will be the cheaper option.

Outline Results and Comment

2% of the 56 festival-goers comments were to the nature that festivals are one-off events and whilst they should be environmentally friendly, there are bigger fish to fry. This supports the argument put forward by Shone and Parry (2004) that most events have little impact, and environmentalism and sustainability should not be given undue attention. Jones (1993) noted that there were 900 festivals in the UK. The literature review revealed a trend of growth and consolidation within the music festival industry. As Larkin (2005) pointed out UK festivals are

experiencing continued growth. If an individual festivals impact is minimal, extrapolate this to all of the festivals that take place in the UK in one year and the impacts are increasingly significant. The same principle can be applied to festivals-goers and any individual. 20% of the comments on the festival-goer questionnaire highlighted the responsibility of visitors to festivals to minimise their impact. When looking at an individual visitors impact upon the environment it is certainly very small. If this is multiplied 100,000, 10,000 or even 500 times it starts to become more significant. Miquel Santos, organiser of Atlantic Waves commented that EFPs are good practice, but because their festival is indoors it does not need an environmental policy. Santos also suggests that environmental concerns are a matter of concern for any outside events organisers and attendees. Indoor events do still cause waste, use power, use water etc. The major difference in this situation is that the onus may be upon the venue owner, to make provisions for sustainable resource management. Wheatley (1993) gives advice on environmental management for all companies, not just those who are outdoors. Similarly, Paul Hudson, organiser of Clogfest, states that they do not have an environmental policy and the event is very small. Nick Ladd, creative director of the Glade Festival and coorganiser of the Glade at Glastonbury, states that recycling should be a legal necessity not an option for homes, businesses and festivals!. Getz (1997) argues that smaller festivals should also improve their environmental performance.

Noise Pollution Noise pollution is considered a potential impact by 50% of respondents (Fig. 3). If the survey was directed to local residents who do not attend the events it may be that this figure would be higher. Defra (2002) survey revealed that this was the least worrying environmental impact of 20 options. Hannah Ross Morris, who deals with licensing and safety for Angel Festivals Ltd (Global Gathering, HiFi Festival etc) refers to the noise controls that most Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) set and strictly enforce. Chris Kemp also describes the sound monitoring at Milton Keynes Bowl, whereby decibel readings are taken to ensure they do not exceed that set by the EHO. Kemp also highlights the difficulties that organisers face when monitoring or controlling

sound as weather conditions will impact upon its travel. Yoeman et al (2004), Getz (1997) and Hall (1992) all suggest noise is an issue that should be monitored and controlled and the results of the survey indicate this is a prominent provision at festivals in the UK. Three of the festival organisers questioned made reference to Noise pollution and local authority controls to minimise its nuisance. The control that local authorities enforce may be a reason for the lower percentage of festival-goer respondents worried about its impact. One respondent raised the point that noise pollution at festivals is only temporary. For noise disruption over a number of days it may be argued that any lasting damaging effects of this are negligible. However, the issue of health and safety for the hearing of those working at events comes into play.

Traffic Congestion Perez and Nadals (2004) study revealed that 82% of locals of the Balearic Islands believed local tourism caused traffic congestion. 70% of festival goers believed the same to be true of festivals. Yet 61% of the respondents travel by car to festivals.This highlights that traffic is one of the major negative impacts that should be addressed. Six of the festival organisers referred to measures they take to reduce the amount of traffic coming to events. This includes provision of public transport, car park charges, and encouragement of car shares. One festival-goer positively highlighted the method used by Shambala festival which is to charge 10 per vehicle brought to the event, the proceeds of which are used to subsidise cheap public transport. The degree to which people are willing to give up their vehicles is questionable. A number of festival goers highlighted that it was really not practical for them to use public transport as they were travelling with babies and much luggage. This may explain the high negative correlation between age and use of public transport and agreeing that inclusion in the ticket price would encourage use of public transport. This could be interpreted as younger generations being more environmentally conscious, although difference in income and life styles would have a bearing.

Waste and Waste Management The festival goer survey found that most festival goers agreed that this is a negative environmental impact of music festivals. 20% of the comments made by festival-goers related to this issue. and festival organisers also referred to waste as a key environmental impact with 7 respondents with recycling schemes. 71% of festival-goers agreed or strongly agreed that waste is an impact. 81% agreed or strongly agreed that if provided with separate bins they would separate their rubbish. Network Recycling indicated a 30% recycling rate by festival goers as the average. This posses the question, were the respondent sample particularly environmentally conscious? Has the festival going population become more environmentally aware since

Network recycling recorded their figures? This may indicate some level of idealistic responses on the part of festival-goers. Organisers and festival-goers themselves made comments indicating that even the most well intending person may drop litter, especially where drugs and alcohol are consumed. This could prove a challenge to enforcement, and is where the use of litter pickers and volunteers is needed. Yoeman et al (2004) discussed the health risks associated with waste. The festival-goer survey revealed that 57% of festival-goers agree or strongly agree that re-usable crockery and cutlery should be used instead of disposables at festivals. 2 of the 56 comments made highlighted hygiene issues with this approach, and suggested that recyclable/bio-degradable disposables would be better. One comment referred to Glastonbury Festivals policy of using biodegradable disposables.

Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the auspicious occasion celebrated with great enthusiasum across India. In modern times, festivals are getting commercialised and taking the shape of pomp and show. Different communities set huge gigantic and attractive bright idols in order to compete with other communities. This all leads to major problem of environment pollution. Idols made by non biodegradable material and toxic paints contaminate water making it unfit for survival of aquatic life and drinking purposes.

The material used for idols like POP is mainly the compound of gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium. Chemical paints comprise of mercury, cadmium; lead and carbon. Immersion of idols with such poisonous and toxic elements raises the level of acidity, solid matter, organic matter and heavy metals in water bodies. These materials dont dissolve readily and lowers the oxygen level in water adversely affecting the aquatic life. In order to come out of such problems and enjoy festival with the same spirit, devotees

themselves should give a serious thought over the methods of celebrations and should turn to eco friendly idols for their celebrations. Even Government should also take a step towards this burning issue and set strict guidelines for craftsmen to use eco-friendly materials andorganic paints.
Environmental Consciousness Amongst People It is a relief to notice that the awareness about the environmental impacts of celebrating Holi are being brought to light by various NGOs. And gradually, more and more Indians are choosing to turn to a more natural and less wasteful way of playing Holi.

Pilgrims' Plague Destroying Himalayas

Image credit: Radified.com If one could write a book on it, it would be called By the River Ganges I Sat Down and Wept. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims travel by foot, train, car and bus to holy sites in the Himalayas, believed to be the dwelling of the god Shiva and the mountainous source of many of Indias largest rivers, including the Ganges River. Unfortunately, the rather unholy environmental impact of these pilgrimages are hastening the destruction of these once-unspoiled areas with development, pollution and waste not to mention melting the Himalayan glaciers. With Indias economic boom, more tour operators are offering commercialized, package tours to holy sites for Indias increasingly mobile and affluent middle class. Some even have helicopters on call. "Plastic rubbish is found littered everywhere, nearby rivers are filled with human waste and roads have been built bringing in daily buses packed with pilgrims which is contaminating the air," says Shruti Shukla from WWF India. More and more trees are also being felled to make way for upscale hotels, restaurants and more accessible roads. Environmentalists say that the combined effect of these activities is an accelerated melting of the glaciers.

Earlier this month, there was cause for alarm when the ice shiva-lingam formation at the holy site of Amarnath actually melted (a lingam is short, cylindrical pillar with a rounded top and is worshipped as a symbol of Shiva). There have been local efforts to halt the damage, but they have been ineffective at best against the annually increasing crush. Last month, a Task Force on mountains recommended to the Indian government that a separate and more integrated ministry should be created to preserve the Himalayas. But even so, one wonders how much longer the Himalayas have to wait, as the well-meaning devotion of these modern days is slowly and surely defiling a once-holy place. Throughout the months of April to November every year many of India's 800 Million Hindus take part in grand pilgrimages all around the gigantic sub continent. The scale of these events are truly breathtaking to behold and they make for a great set of pictures. More recently however the pilgrimages - which have consistently expanded in sync with India's rapidly growing population - have begun to inflict some severe consequences on infrastructure and the ecological and environmental impacts of these mass migrations (and population growth in general) are becoming more apparent. Some cities - like Varanasi on the mighty river Ganges for example - have been accommodating millions of pilgrims every year for nearly a millennium. Dried up and heavily polluted lakes and depleted over-used rivers greet many devoted pilgrims in towns and cities that now struggle to handle such a sheer amount of people.

Shocking Pollution during the Ganesh Festival Yesterday was an important day. It was Anant Chaturthi the culmination of a ten-day long Ganesh Festival, one of the most important festivals of western India. It was a day of great joyousness and celebrationbut it has an ugly side. The environmental damage it causes. Thousands of idols made from harmful materials like plaster of paris and toxic metals, coated with deadly paints containing mercury, cadmium, lead and carbon enter our water bodies. These idols, some of them gigantic in size, are immersed in lakes, rivers and the sea. Just Mumbais sea takes in about 1.5 lakh (1 lakh = 100,000) idols every year! Is it any wonder then then oxygen levels in the water bodies fall by about 50 per cent immediately after the 10day Ganeshutsav festival? Not many care Although there are organisations working towards creating awareness about the benefits of using eco-friendly idols and state governments do issue guidelines about immersions, not much is happening on the ground. Although there are specially prepared tanks for immersions, people dont prefer to use these, and few are interested in eco-friendly idols. It was heartening to see Harsha actually try

and find out the situation on the ground. He trudged four hours in the hot sun in Pune to find out if people were using eco-friendly idols. His findings: As I continued my search in the streets of Pune, I came across many idols-made of materials as varied as PoP, Silver, Tin Foil and Thermocol, but not the green Ganesha. Thats what I was looking for..an idol made of clay and a pandal that used eco-friendly materialsI must have walked for at least 20 km, clicking hundreds of pix on the way. I could not find a single idol made of clay, nor a pandal which didnt use the papi materials PoP and Thermocol. Well, finally he did find a green pandal, but no idol. This then is the reality. No one cares. And we are not just talking of the masses here. I have tried to convince several people I know and while they agreed with me in theory, none of them actually went and bought an eco-friendly idol. In fact one lady told me point blank: When there is a law against it well do it! This even though they clearly see the water bodies around them getting polluted. I dont believe this is due to religious reasons, but due to apathy and lack of civic sense. What actually happens? Here are the results of a scientific study done on a body of water in Andhra Pradesh, the Hussainsagar Lake. After examining the water before and after immersion the scientists found that the concentration of substances like calcium, magnesium, molybdenum and silicon concentrations increased significantly. Also, it was found that concentrations of heavy metals like arsenic, lead and mercury had increased. Metals like lead and mercury are particularly worrisome as they are dangerous to health and can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and central nervous system. Besides polluting the water, they reach humans via the food chain, when humans consume fish and other sea-food. If the fish survive that is! Because hundreds of fish are found dead after the immersions. The picture on the right is of a beach right after an immersion and that is what the tide has brought in. The site from where I took the photo has other very vivid picturesif you want to see them just click on the picture. If people dont listen, we need the laws The problem is that politicians dont want to take tough action as they are afraid of upsetting the public as this is a religious issue. But I think it isnt. Traditionally, we used mud idols and natural colours. These polluting idols are a modern invention and nothing to do with religion!

No one is banning immersion. Or denouncing it. To put in place laws to make it compulsory to make idols out of an eco-friendly material should not hurt religious sentiment. All we will be doing is going back to the way the festival was traditionally celebrated. An information campaign to this effect will go a long way in educating those who think that using poisonous materials are what God commanded or that this was how it was traditionally done. I am sure that a public information campaign which enumerates the amount of life that is destroyed will impact a lot of people as quite a few Hindus are vegetarians who are against killing of animals even for food. I wonder if it is a powerful lobby of businessmen and those in the trade of manufacturing and selling these poisonous idols who are making the politicians drag their feet on this one. Because in this case it is only the politicians who can help us with laws. Update: I am adding this link which talks of the dangers to flora and fauna because the idols dont dissolve. They go to the river bed and affect the plant life. I thought this was pretty obvious and had therefore not added this link before but from some comments I realise that people are not aware of this fact. Visual pollution during the Ganesh Festival The religious fervour and euphoria of the ten days of Ganpati Bappa is over. People who fled the city to escape the din (there is considerable amount of sound pollution due to the use of loudspeakers) and the crowds, have come back. Politicians are conducting drives to clear the debris on the beaches. And many of us regret the environmental damage. Another thing we want to put behind us are the instances of intimidation/extortion before the start of the celebrations (to collect money for the Ganesh mandals). There are two other negative aspects. One concerns aesthetics and the other, the gross commercialisation of the festival. I am not talking of the loud filmi music played at the mandals, but the presence of brands. Whether its Idea or Hero Honda, or Lizzat Papad, scores of brands were given permission by the municipality to put up posters and banners and hoardings acrosss Pune city, particularly on roads with the mandals. I am not sure what the financial arrangement was here, how much the mandals got, but I am sure they got something too. Even if they didnt, I dont see why a religious festival has to become an opportunity for the government to make a few extra bucks. All billboard norms were thrown to the wind! I am not in Pune now, but I wonder if these banners have been removed or whether they have been carelessly discarded and are rotting in some ditch! The government knows that no one will protest because the minute anything is religious people bear it in silence. People are afraid that if they protest others could well question their faith in God. How else to explain the uglification of a city and peoples tolerance levels? I cannot believe that anyone thinks that polluting the city with ad banners has anything to do with religion.

These are some of the pictures I took during the Ganesh Festival. They speak louder than words.

The brand is not visible in the picture below its Airtel.

And do you think our politicians will pass up an opportunity to plaster their mugs on banners in the guise of wishing the citizens Happy Ganesh Chaturthi?

(All pictures were taken by me in Pune and are copyrighted)

Air pollution skyrockets during Indian festivals! Festivals are becoming significant contributors to air pollution in India. We have so many festivals and increasing commercialization a growing economy is turning every celebration into grand occasions to splurge. Are we aware of what this is doing to our environment? Heres a look at how all those festivities affect the air quality.

Air pollution levels in big cities are appalling at the best of times and are a growing cause for concern. The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) dust, fumes, smoke, and gases is way above permissible limits in many of our big cities. This level sees a quantum jump during festivals, the main culprits being crackers, inflammable substances, and artificial colors.

Air pollution during Diwali

Studies by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) around Delhi conclude that this year, RSPM levels during Diwali doubled compared to 2006. A Chandigarh Pollution Control

Committee (CPCC) study last year showed a 6-10% percent increase in air pollution during Diwali.

Clearly environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle. They come up with awareness campaigns and slogans like Diwali is a festival of lights, not crackers, celebrate an eco-sensitive Diwali this year, but nobody seems to take notice. Apart from the noise, crackers release a lot of toxic gases like Sulfur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide which can lead to many health problems.

Impact of air pollution on health

Air pollution can lead to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and allergies in adults. It can also cause acute respiratory infections in children. Suspended particulate matter can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disease

Sulfur dioxide can damage lungs and lead to lung disorders like wheezing and shortness of breath.

Oxides of Nitrogen can cause skin problems, eye irritation, and cause respiratory problems in children.

Chemicals used in crackers like lead, magnesium, cadmium, nitrate, sodium, and others

can have various harmful effects. Festival of noise and pollution Every Diwali, tradition, health and safety collide amidst celebrations. Harmful effects of Chemicals Used in Crackers:

Copper: Poison to humans by ingestion. Inhalation of copper dust and fume causes irritation in the respiratory tract. Absorption of excess copper results in "Wilson's disease" in which excess copper is deposited in the brain, skin, liver, pancreas and myocardium (middle muscular layer in the heart). Cadmium: Can be poisonous to humans by inhalation, ingestion, intraperitonial, subcutaneous, intra-muscular and intravenous routes. Cadmium absorption can damage the

kidneys and can cause anaemia. It is a potential human carcinogen. Cadmium causes increased blood pressure and also a disease called "Itai--Itai", which makes bones brittle resulting in multiple fractures. Lead: Affects the central nervous system in humans. A poison if ingested, moderately irritating. It can cause cancer of lungs and kidneys and an experimental teratogen. When heated it can emit highly toxic fumes. In inorganic form, it is a general metabolic poison and an enzyme inhibitor. Young children can suffer mental retardation and semipermanent brain damage by exposure to lead. Incase of lead levels in blood, the disturbing feature is that the natural levels are very close to the lowest safety limits. Magnesium: Poison by ingestion, inhalation of magnesium dust and fumes can cause metal fume fever. Particles embedded in the skin can produce gaseous blebs and a gas gangrene. Dangerous fire hazard in the form of dust or flakes when exposed to flames. Manganese in the air has adverse effects on humans. Poisoning takes the form of progressive deterioration in the central nervous system. Manganese: An experimental carcinogen and mutagen. Human toxicity caused by dust or fumes. The main symptoms of exposure are languor, sleepiness, weakness, emotional disturbances, spastic gait and paralysis. Potassium: Dangerous fire hazard. If there is any confinement, an explosion can occur. Sodium: In elemental form, it is highly reactive, particularly with moisture with which it reacts violently and therefore can attack living tissue. When heated in air, it emits toxic fumes of sodium oxide. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat and moisture. Zinc: Human skin irritant and effects pulmonary system. Pure zinc powder is non-toxic to humans by inhalation but difficulty arises from oxidation (burning), as it emits zinc fumes. Zinc is perhaps the least toxic of all heavy metals, in fact an essential element in animal and human nutrition, still they become toxic when absorbed in excess. Zinc stimulates the sensation of vomiting. An exposure to 150 mg of zinc can stimulate the process of vomiting in an adult male. Nitrate: Large amounts taken by mouth can have serious and even fatal effects. The symptoms are dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, weakness, convulsions and collapse. Small repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment. Also there is some implication of increased cancer incidents among those exposed. Highly inflammable and on decomposition they emit highly toxic fumes. Nitrite: Large amounts taken by mouth may produce nausea, vomiting, cyanosis, collapse and coma. Repeated small doses can cause a fall in blood pressure, rapid pulse, headaches and visual disturbances. When heated, emit highly toxic fumes of NOx. Phosphorous in PO4: Poison to humans. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or chemical reaction. Poison by inhalation, ingestion, skin contact and subcutaneous routes. Ingestion affects the central nervous system. Toxic quantities have an acute effect on the liver and can cause severe eye damage.

Sulphur in SO4: Poison to humans by inhalation an eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant and corrosive, an experimental carcinogen. It chiefly affects the upper respiratory tract and the bronchi. It may cause edema of the lungs or glottis, and can produce respiratory paralysis. Source: Hazardous Chemicals Desk Reference, N.Irving Sax and Richard J.Lewis

The conflict between competing interests in society - safety, health, and calm on the one hand, and tradition on the other hand, has evolved over time, and the health effects are receiving greater attention. Roshan Lal, owner of the New Royal Fireworks set up in 1928 in Sadar Bazar says his family has been in the trade of crackers since the days of Prthviraj Chauhan but now the business is not profitable. A combination of political will and public support to limit health and environmental hazards, and at the same time maintain memorable traditions, is needed to restore Deepawali to its pristine flavour.

Hindu Festivals Bring Pollution To Indias Waterways

As Hindus across India celebrate religious festivals in September and October, many are concerned about the impact of toxic chemicals that are washing off of thousands of idols immersed in rivers and lakes. The pollution is killing fish and contaminating crops, said experts and environmentalists on Monday. The decorated statues are worshipped before they are taken to the rivers, laves and the sea, where they are immersed in accordance with Hindu faith. But environmentalists have raised questions about the non-biodegradable materials contained in the idols such as plastic, cement, plaster of Paris and toxic dyes. Paints contain metals like mercury, cadmium and lead, which can pass up the food chain from fish to human beings.

After the statues are immersed, the toxins then contaminate food crops when villagers use the polluted water for irrigation, said Shyam Asolekar, science and engineering head at the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai. "Even small traces are extremely toxic as they persist in the body for a long time and accumulate in the human tissues," said Asolekar, who has closely studied the effects of Hindu customs. Plaster of Paris, for example does not dissolve easily and it also reduces the oxygen level in the water, said environmentalists. Statue remains from festivities last year still float in rivers and water tanks in Mumbai, where the annual "Ganesh Chaturthi" festival culminate in the immersion of some 160,000 statutes some up to 25 feet high by millions of devotees. Traditionally, idols were made from mud and clay and vegetable-based dyes were used to paint them. But commercialization of festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja has meant people want bigger and brighter idols and are no longer happy with the eco-friendly statues. "If we do not respect nature then we are not respecting god," said Manisha Gutman of environmental group Eco Exist. About 80 percent of Indias 1.1 billion population are Hindus. In recent years, their religious festivals and customs have come under increasing scrutiny as public awareness of environmental issues grows. The spring festival of Holi involves the throwing of colored powder but studies have found that the industrial powders used are often toxic and can cause asthma, temporary blindness and even skin cancer.

Suit Challenges Noise Pollution During Hindu Festivals In Indian City

In the Indian city of Thane, a lawsuit has been filed seeking to require the city to enforce noise ordinances against those celebrating Hindu religious festivals. According to yesterday's Times of India, political parties have reacted negatively to the public interest lawsuit filed by activist Dr. Mahesh Bedekar, saying that restrictions will dampen the festive spirit. Police issued notices to 51 mandals, most formed by politicians, that exceeded permitted decibel levels by 100% during Monday's Dahi handi celebrations. Meanwhile, according to another Times of India article, today the Bombay High Court ordered the state to convene a meeting with mandal representatives to see if the festival can be celebrated with less noise next year. In anticipation of the upcoming Ganesh festival, the court directed the mayor to meet with city corporators to discuss noise pollution, and told police not to issue permits for loud speakers within 100 meters of major hospitals.

Chemical Colors
A visit to a doctor after the festival of colours is common in India. Diseases, specially of the skin and eye are bound to happen with the quality of colours that are now available in the market. It may be noted that chemical colours came into vogue as they were earlier thought to be harmless. Besides their being convenient and cost effective options as against the natural colours. These days manufacturers mix harmful chemicals in colours and play with the health of the consumers for the sake of profit. The chemicals added by them are so injurious that if unfortunately they enter a human body, they may cause fatal infections. These days most Holi colours sold in the market are oxidized metals or industrial dyes mixed with engine oil. These chemicals are known to cause serious harm to persons health.

For example Green colour is obtained from copper sulphate -which may cause allergies in eye or even temporary blindness. Purple is obtained from chromium iodide - which may cause bronchial asthma or other forms of allergy.

Silver is obtained from aluminum bromide - a known carcinogenic. Black is obtained from lead oxide - may cause renal failures or learning disability. Red is obtained from mercury sulphite - may cause skin cancer or Minamata disease (mental retardation, paralysis, impaired vision...) Shiny Colours are a result of powdered glass being added to the colours. Besides, many water colours have an alkaline base capable of causing severe injuries. Colours in the form of pastes have toxic compounds mixed in a base of engine oil or other inferior quality oil, capable of causing skin allergy, temporary blindness. Further, when washed, these colours containing toxic chemicals enter the river, thereby soil and water pollution. Even the way we play Holi is becoming dangerous. Throwing water filled balloons has become rampant, which is very harmful. People should realise, what is fun for them could cause injury to the eyes and ears to the other person, specially when thrown from a distance and with force. People must realise that the colours have been added to Holi to make the festival more joyous and enjoyable and not to cause inconvenience to others. So, next time you play with colours use good quality or natural colours and play according to the convenience of others.