Waste Management during Diwali: Nurturing a Greener Festival in Assam

Dr. Hriday Ch. Sarma

(Fellow, South Asia Democratic Forum, Brussels.

He can be reached at hridaysarma@yahoo.co.in.)

The festival of Diwali is celebrated with great zeal and passion across India, including in our beautiful state of Assam. This cultural extravaganza traditionally involves the lighting of oil lamps, the bursting of firecrackers, the exchange of gifts, and indulging in delectable sweets. However, amidst the joy and merriment, the issue of waste management looms as a significant concern. In Assam, the need to nurture a greener festival and promote sustainable waste management practices during Diwali has emerged as a critical focus for local communities.

Historically, Diwali celebrations in Assam have been characterized by a substantial use of firecrackers. While these pyrotechnic displays add to the festive ambiance, they also contribute to environmental pollution, noise disturbances, and the generation of non-biodegradable waste. This has prompted growing awareness and concerted efforts among the people of Assam to adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce their environmental footprint during the festival.

Various initiatives have been undertaken in Assam to address the issue of waste management during Diwali. Community organizations, environmental groups, and local authorities have been actively promoting alternative ways to celebrate the festival while minimizing its impact on the environment. A key focus has been placed on raising awareness about the detrimental effects of firecrackers on air and noise pollution, along with the generation of hazardous waste. This has led to a gradual shift towards eco-friendly celebrations, including the use of sustainable lighting methods such as energy-efficient LED lamps and traditional earthen diyas (lamps).

Moreover, several innovative waste management strategies have been introduced in Assam to ensure a cleaner and greener Diwali. This includes the implementation of segregated waste collection systems, where special receptacles for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste are provided in residential areas and public spaces. Additionally, recycling initiatives for materials such as paper, cardboard, and glass have been promoted to reduce the volume of waste generated during the festive season.

In our state, Guwahati, the biggest city, faces heightened waste management challenges due to urban growth. This problem becomes more pronounced during Diwali due to the increased use of disposable and non-biodegradable materials. Municipal bodies have put in place waste management solutions, including cleanliness initiatives and educational programmes on environmentally friendly celebrations. Communities have started segregating waste, using separate bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable trash. Furthermore, local artisans are reviving the tradition of making “paddy husk diyas”, reducing pollution while enhancing the local economy. Guwahati thus leads in Assam’s drive for eco-friendlier Diwali celebrations, setting an example for other cities facing similar waste management challenges during major festivals.

To uphold sustainable practices, Assam has implemented stringent laws governing the use of firecrackers during Diwali. This year, a directive has been issued to all district administrations, mandating the restriction of firecracker usage to the hours between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on festive days. Additionally, the sale of exclusively green crackers is enforced in the state. Furthermore, Assam permits the bursting of firecrackers for a limited two-hour duration during the Diwali festival, with a comprehensive prohibition on sound-emitting firecrackers from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. In line with these regulations, strict penalties are imposed for violating firecracker regulations in Assam, including fines or other legal consequences. This ensures the effective enforcement of eco-friendly practices during the festival.

Local authorities in Assam have also collaborated with waste management agencies, including the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) and various other NGOs, to organize awareness campaigns and cleanliness drives leading up to Diwali. These efforts have involved engaging with local communities to emphasize the importance of responsible waste disposal, encouraging the use of composting for organic waste, and promoting the concept of “reduce, reuse, and recycle” to minimize the environmental impact of the festival.

Furthermore, the spirit of Diwali in Assam has been reinvigorated with the revival of traditional customs that align with sustainable living. The practice of exchanging homemade sweets (such as Narikolorlaru and Tilorlaru) and handcrafted gifts (such as earthen god idol statues and bamboo gift baskets) has gained prominence, reducing the reliance on packaged and non-biodegradable items. Additionally, the emphasis on decorating homes with natural, biodegradable materials such as flowers, leaves, and eco-friendly colours has garnered appreciation as a symbol of eco-conscious celebrations. As the idea of nurturing a greener festival gains momentum in Assam, efforts to promote sustainable waste management during Diwali are yielding positive results. Communities are coming together to embrace environmentally responsible practices, with a collective commitment to preserve the natural beauty of the region while rejoicing in the festivities.

In conclusion, the endeavour to foster a greener Diwali in Assam through effective waste management is a testament to our state’s dedication to sustainable living. With a blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation, the spirit of the festival is being revitalized in harmony with the principles of environmental preservation. As our state continues to pave the way for eco-friendly celebrations, our collective journey towards nurturing a greener Diwali is an inspiring example for communities across India and beyond.