By Sulaiman Razvi
Minorities in India should be glad that they don’t have festivals like that of Hindus otherwise minorities wouldn’t have been able to celebrate festivals as restrictions would’ve been imposed by tolerant Hindus citing air, water and noise pollution. From birth to death, Hindu rituals and festivals are dangerous for environment. The Azaan of Muslims which lasts no longer than 3 minutes is viewed as noise pollution by Hindus and there were even protests by Hindus and FIRs to stop Azaan.
Hindutva outfit launches campaign to ban Fajr Azaan in India http://www.coastaldigest.com/index.php/news/64901-hindutva-outfit-launches-campaign-to-ban-fajr-adhan-in-india
VHP demands to ban loudspeaker in Mosques http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/vhp-to-fadnavis-ban-loudspeakers-in-mosques/article6676656.ece
HJS organizes campaign to ban loudspeakers in mosques in Thane
http://twocircles.net/2014may28/hjs_organizes_campaign_ban_loudspeakers_mosques_thane.html#.V2-AvqKPyV8
Shiv Sena targets mosque loudspeakers
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-shiv-sena-targets-mosque-loudspeakers-1455753
Hindus have problem with Azaan because it’s related to Muslims. But they have no problem singing Bhajans on loudspeakers, doing Jagrata at night, playing non-stop music at Ganesh Chaturthi and almost on every festival that occurs every month. Hindu organisations do not call for ban on these things because these are related to Hinduism. As I said from birth to death Hindus pollutes the environment, they do Mundan when baby is born and immerses it in pond, lake or river, they do Yajnas where wood is burned and at death huge pyre is set up with wood and cow dung causing air pollution and then the ashes are immersed in ponds, lakes or river. Much damage is caused to environment celebrating Hindu festivals. Hindus relish meat throughout the year but suddenly develop love for animals during Muslim festival called Bakrid (Indian name for Id ul Adha), But Hindus ignore thousands of fish that die after Ganesh immersion due to the toxic. Hindu body burned 500 quintals of mango wood for nine days to ‘reduce pollution’, if they were really serious about reducing pollution then they have to stop their pollution festivals first.
Following are some links with data showing rise in pollution after Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi.
CONTENTS
Ganesh Chaturthi: Water Pollution & Noise Pollution
Durga Puja: Same as Ganesh Chaturthi
Rivers polluted due to Hindu religious practices
Chhath Puja: Water and Air Pollution
Kali Puja: Air and Water Pollution
Diwali: Air and Noise Pollution
Dushera: Air and Noise Pollution
Navratri: Noise pollution and water pollution
Holi: Water wastage and hazardous toxics for environment
Ganesh Chaturthi: Water Pollution & Noise Pollution
Dead fish found floating in Milapnagar lake after Ganpati visarjan
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-dead-fish-found-floating-in-milapnagar-lake-after-ganpati-visarjan-2129648
Chemicals From The Ganesh Idol Visarjan Kill More Than 300 Fish In A Mumbai Pond
http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/chemicals-from-the-ganesh-idol-visarjan-kill-more-than-300-fish-in-a-mumbai-pond-262270.html
Ganesh immersions in water bodies: NGT asks civic bodies, district collector to respond
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/ganesh-immersions-in-water-bodies-ngt-asks-civic-bodies-district-collector-to-respond/
The pollution from immersion of such idols, the EIL stated, also damaged the ecosystem, killed fish and other marine life.
“Toxic” Indian festivals poison waterways
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-festival-pollution-idUSDEL3263220080818
“Toxic chemicals from thousands of idols of Hindu gods immersed in rivers and lakes across India are causing pollution which is killing fish and contaminating food crops, experts and environmentalists said on Monday.”
“Environmentalists say the idols are often made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastic, cement and plaster of Paris and painted with toxic dyes.
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.”
‘Water, air pollution up after Ganesh immersion’
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Water-air-pollution-up-after-Ganesh-immersion/articleshow/16831273.cms
“The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has found that there was an increase in several pollutants in water bodies and in respirable suspended particulate matter (PM10) in the air after the Ganesh immersion this year. The rise in water pollution is attributed to immersion of idols made of Plaster of Paris and chemical paints.”
“Presence of the respirable suspended particulate matter (PM10) crossed permissible limit in almost all the areas where the ambient air quality was monitored by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). In some places like Chapekar Chowk and Pimpri, the RSPM level crossed 200 ug/m3 (microgram per cubic metre), whereas the permissible limit is 100 ug/m3. The RSPM, which is a major component of air pollution, is dangerous for human health.”
“The readings before and during Ganesh festival show that the RSPM level was higher during the festival. In Pimpri, the level was 342 ug/m3 on September 19 (pre-festival it was 180.6 ug/m3), 281.50 in Chapekar Chowk on September 29 (63 ug/m3 pre-festival), 112 ug/m3 in Shivajinagar on September 29 (105 ug/m3 pre-festival), 135 ug/m3 in Sanghvi on September 19 (114 ug/m3 pre festival) and 109.6 ug/m3 in Khadki on September 19 (92 mg/u3 pre festival).”
Ganesha Chaturthi: The environmental impact of the festival
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/ganesh-chaturthi/1/475056.html
Let’s look at some of the facts on the pollution caused by the statues of Ganesha:
Plaster of Paris idols may take anywhere between several months to years to fully dissolve
It also reduces the oxygen level in the water, killing the fish and other aquatic organisms
The paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves
The acid content in the waters increases
Idols made using plastic, cement, etc. do not dissolve in the water; thus polluting the water
Several accessories used during the festival like plastic flowers, cloth, incense, camphor and numerous other materials are dumped carelessly adding more strain to the already polluted rivers and lakes
Careless dumping of Ganesh idols in water bodies blocks the natural flow of water which results in breeding of mosquitoes and other harmful pests
The polluted water causes several diseases including skin diseases.
Scientists worried over pollution by Ganesh immersion
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/idol-immersion-polluting-indias-waters/article3378268.ece
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/apr/30/improbable-research-indian-water-pollution
“Some studies concentrate on isolating the effects of idols from those of other sources. Impact of Ganesh Idol Immersion Activities on the Water Quality of Tapi River, Surat (Gujarat, India) tells of sampling the water “at morning hours during pre-immersion, during immersion and post-immersion periods of Ganesh idols”. The conclusion: the “main reason of the deterioration of water quality … is various religious activities”, with special blame given to “the plaster of paris, clothes, iron rods, chemical colours, varnish and paints used for making the idols”.
Ganesh Chaturthi: India’s toxic festival
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2010/sep/22/ganesh-chaturthi-indias-toxic-festival
“As a result, the Central Pollution Control Board reports that the annual immersion of Ganesh idols has significantly increased the content of iron, copper, mercury, chromium and acid in water surrounding Mumbai and other western Indian towns. Equally worrying is how Indian fishing communities often find pieces of once-revered Ganesh idols tangled in their nets, alongside dead mercury-laden fish.”
Ganesh festival leaves 50-tonne waste trail in Chennai
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Ganesh-festival-leaves-50-tonne-waste-trail-in-Chennai/articleshow/49053088.cms
Ganesh immersion begins, so does pollution
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Ganesh-immersion-begins-so-does-pollution/articleshow/54038273.cms
More links
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-ganesh-visarjan-how-it-impacts-our-environment-1887519
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/news/maharashtra-pollution-control-board-ascertains-ganesh-immersion-worsens-air-water-pollution
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110825/jsp/orissa/story_14420446.jsp
Ganesh idol immersion kills fishes and other marine lives
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/could-lord-ganesha-be-treated-better/article5252041.ece
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/193920/fish-kill-kalkere-pond.html
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140910/nation-current-affairs/article/ganesha-fest-no-more-plastering-city-toxic-idols
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution rising during Ganesh festival over the years
Noise levels have been consistently rising over the last decade. The festival was noisiest in 2013, when average reading showed levels as high as 114.4 decibels, according to data from COEP. From 2001 till 2014, the COEP has been monitoring noise levels on the concluding day of the festival – during the immersion procession – and has found average noise levels ranging between 90 and 100 dB, Dr Shindikar said.
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/noise-pollution-rising-during-ganesh-festival-over-the-years/
Ganpati Immersion: Noise levels break all records, reach 123.7 dB on last day
While most Ganesh mandals followed the Bombay High Court order to limit loudspeaker use, the procession on the last day of Ganpati celebration broke noise level records in Mumbai.
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ganpati-immersion-noise-levels-break-all-records-reach-123-7-db-on-last-day/
Noise levels were double permissible limits on fifth day of immersion
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Noise-levels-were-double-permissible-limits-on-fifth-day-of-immersion/articleshow/54270823.cms
Ganeshotsav: Noise levels above limit at all silence zones
The fifth day of the Ganeshostav festival was a noisy affair with residential areas near Dadar being the noisiest at 112.7 decibel (dB).
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/ganeshotsav-noise-levels-above-limit-at-all-silence-zones/story-gWtwkAshU1CS3aepLZ9T5K.html
Durga Puja: Same as Ganesh Chaturthi
Durga Puja: Yamuna pollution spiked during idol immersion but river cleaning helped
“A report on the pollution levels in the Yamuna before, during and after idol immersion during Durga Puja shows that pollution levels were highest during the time of immersion, but quick action and a river cleaning plan meant most pollutants were fished out within three days.”
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/durga-puja-yamuna-pollution-spiked-during-idol-immersion-but-river-cleaning-helped-3099351/
Noise pollution went up even this Durga Puja
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Noise-pollution-went-up-even-this-Durga-Puja/articleshow/54858365.cms
Ghats scarred by remains of Puja revelry
The west bank of Hooghly suffered large scale pollution as usual during immersion of Durga idols despite efforts by Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC).
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1161017/jsp/calcutta/story_113849.jsp#.WDKnPLJ973g
Idol immersion shrinks Haryana’s biggest lake, pollutes groundwater
Debris of Ganesh and Durga idols and other puja items were found floating in Damdama lake on Sunday evening despite the district administration prohibiting the immersion of idols in the waterbody.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/idol-immersion-shrinks-haryana-s-biggest-lake-pollutes-groundwater/story-1BPL8D5dmQNsTdIUDJUc2H.html
2016 Polluting Gods: A Photo Story on the Environmental Impact of Idol Immersion
Most of my research is based on the private and public immersions of Durga and Ganesh idols.
The environmental effects of idol immersion on water bodies and the ecology of surrounding areas are worsening with each passing season – something that believers are either unable to understand or vehemently deny. This pollution, along with industrial waste, accumulates in our water bodies, poisoning our water sources.
People who stand by their religious practices have concluded that poisonous materials such as sewerage account for water pollution. However, the high levels of zinc, calcium and strontium found in the water are probably caused by the multicoloured idols which are immersed in the water, not just sewerage. Plaster of Paris, which is used to make most idols, is not soluble, and ends up clogging the earth and being consumed by fish. Other materials such as clothes, iron rods, varnish and paints made from harmful chemicals that are used for decorate idols also harm the environment.
http://thewire.in/73621/polluting-gods-a-photo-story-on-the-environmental-impact-of-idol-immersion/
2016 Religion should not be an excuse to further choke our rivers
The jury is still out on the extent of damage to the Yamuna floodplains following the mega Art of Living meet earlier this year. Now tonnes of debris have been dumped in the river after Durga Puja, putting enormous pressure on what was once the lifeline of Delhi. Religion and tradition may dictate that idols be immersed in the river but given its condition, this practice must be lessened or discontinued altogether. The idols and other objects immersed contain toxic paints and non-biodegradable substances. These choke a river which is already gasping for breath — along a 22-km stretch of the river that passes through Delhi, there is no aquatic life at all. The pollution is also due to the fact that at least 21 drains discharge their effluent into the river every day accounting for 67% of the pollution. This poses a huge challenge but measures must be taken not to add to this.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/religion-should-not-be-an-excuse-to-further-choke-our-rivers/story-fgAMWyjztHQCcQQm0BDU7J.html
2017 After Durga Puja immersion in Delhi, this is what Yamuna looks like
With nearly 200 Durga Puja pandals immersing idols in the river in Delhi-NCR, Yamuna was choked with debris. The river water was clogged with plastic bags, flower petals and pooja material, besides metal structures
http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/after-durga-puja-immersion-in-delhi-this-is-what-yamuna-looks-like/story-fcVewnfENHCI4C8P9jVKQL.html
2017 Yamuna in distress after immersions
Plight of a river: Remnants of idols and other puja materials collect on the banks of the Yamuna in New Delhi on Sunday, a day after the immersion.
Debris from hundreds of Plaster of Paris idols and plastic waste found in different ghats
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/yamuna-in-distress-after-immersions/article19781685.ece
Hyderabad: More idols add to lake pollution
The idols immersed on the Tank bund side remain in water as the lake is deep on taht end.
Hyderabad saw a 20 per cent increase in the number of idols immersed for Durga Puja, according to officials. Hussainsagar alone received over 2,000 large idols during the nine-day puja period. Apart from the large idols, puja items, polybags and smaller idols also made their way into the lake. This came after the Bathukamma celebrations last week, and the Ganesh nimarjanam last month. All this left no time for the lake to rejuvenate itself.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/031017/hyderabad-more-idols-add-to-lake-pollution.html
Kumbh Mela
18,000 MT of Solid Garbage Generated During Maha Kumbh Mela, NGT Censures
The solid waste has been dumped at the waste treatment plant at Baswar which has been non-operational since September 2018.
https://www.newsclick.in/kumbh-mela-waste-dumped-ngt-censures
India Kumbh Mela dip ‘raised Ganges river pollution’
The study found that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels – which are used as a measure of the level of organic pollution in the water – had increased to 7.4mg per litre at the main bathing place, known as Sangam, on 14 January 2013.
The BOD level at Sangam a day before was 4.4mg per litre. After 14 January, the BOD levels gradually decreased to 4.8mg per litre on 18 January.
Experts say that BOD should not exceed 2mg per litre,
“Such high level of BOD in the water shows that organic pollution has increased in the river due to mass bathing,” Pollution Control Board officer Mohd Sikandar said.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-21175890
NCCS: Mass bathing during Kumbh Mela alters bacterial load, diversity
Skin and faecal microbiota increased 2.3-fold and 2.9-fold respectively during the event
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/nccs-mass-bathing-during-kumbh-mela-alters-bacterial-load-diversity/article25586286.ece
Cremation
One of India’s largest Adivasi groups has dropped its ancient cremation ritual to save trees
According to estimates, funeral pyres consume 6 crore trees annually, producing 80 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions and 5,00,000 tonnes of ash which is later thrown into rivers.
“A traditional pyre takes six hours and requires 500 kg to 600 kg of wood to burn a body completely, while the benefit of our alternate system is that it takes up to two hours and 150 kg to 200 kg of wood to burn a body,” explains Anshul Garg, executive officer of Mokshda said.
Horrifying! Over 2,000 bodies found within 1,140 kms on banks of River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh
Rivers polluted due to Hindu religious practices
Ganga river is the second most polluted river in the world due to Hindu religious practices.
Know why Ganga, Yamuna are among world’s top 10 most polluted rivers
Ganga is considered to be the holiest river in Hinduism. It originates from the gangotri glacier in the western Himalayas, flows south and east through the Gangetic plain of north India entering Bangladesh and merges into the Bay of Bengal. Due to religious practices, this river has numerous pollutants ranging from household garbage in abundance to industrial wastes and toxic. Amplifying this, the religious offerings made to the river each day along with people bathing and disposal of dead bodies made the Ganges so polluted that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that people living in the vicinity of the river are vulnerable to cancer.
http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-why-ganga-yamuna-are-among-world-top-10-most-polluted-ri-29013.html?page=3
Saffron isn’t green: When religion is the pollutant, can Modi clean up Ganga?
In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency, monkeys often become entangled in badly outdated overhead power cables. But Hanuman bhakts consider the dead monkeys so sacred that they perform elaborate rituals, including chanting of shlokas, before gently immersing them in the River Ganges.
But will such an uncompromising approach remain so in the face of the very same Hindu traditions when they run afoul of environmental needs? Will Modi ban religious customs like dumping dead humans, monkeys and cows in the Ganges? Can he silence Hindutva forces which argue that Ganges is so critically entwined with religion that environmental consequences be damned?
A five-star funeral pyre at one of Varanasi’s cremation ghats is a lethal affair consuming over 450 kg of firewood, at least 100 kg of ghee besides incense sticks or dust and can take up to six hours releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and ashes into the Ganges. Electric crematoriums are only for the have-nots or unclaimed bodies from police morgues disposed off at government expense.
Besides 40,000 traditional, open-air cremations every year in Varanasi – or over 100 daily – which often entail dumping of human flesh into the Ganges because everyone can’t afford to buy enough firewood to completely burn the corpse, bodies of sanyasis, children and snakebite victims exempted from cremation are bound with stones and immersed in the Ganges which is also the final resting place of chemical-laden images of Durga, Saraswati and Ganesh round the year.
According to Tripathi, electric crematoriums are a big insult to religious traditions. “The Shastras have laid down that mukhagni (lighting of a fire in the deceased’s mouth) and kapal kriya (shattering of the skull by a blow from a stick to release the soul) are vital for moksha. Neither ritual can be performed if the body is burned in a crematorium.”
“The Shastras have also instructed that bones left after cremation must be immersed in the Ganges. I’m against dumping ash into the river but human remains, especially bones, must be submerged in the river. Otherwise the soul will suffer which is totally unacceptable.”
http://www.firstpost.com/india/saffron-isnt-green-religion-pollutant-can-modi-clean-ganga-2241984.html
In the name of God and devotion: Is it really worth taking a dip in toxic Yamuna?
In Varanasi, for example, it is an age-old belief that a Hindu can only attain moksha (liberation from the spiral of birth and death) if he/she is cremated at either Manikarnika ghat or Raja Harish Chandra ghat. The conditions at these open cremation grounds, however, are deplorable. Thousands of corpses are burned there every day amidst a background of discarded bamboo biers, filth, cow dung, abandoned plastic bags and human waste. The ashes from the cremation grounds are then thrown into the ‘holy’ Ganga.
Festivals like Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi are also popular among Hindus. Both festivals involve worshiping idols of Goddess Durga and Ganesha, respectively, for weeks before the idols are immersed into natural water bodies.Many of these idols however, are made of non-biodegradable materials like plaster of Paris. The issue of immersion of these idols which are harmful for the environment, therefore, has been a contentious one, however people continue to submerge idols undaunted.
What’s equally disturbing is that during Chhath Puja (a festival that worships the Hindu sun god, Surya), scores of devotees unflinchingly immerse themselves waist-deep into the waters of the Yamuna. Holy bathing in a natural water body (along with fasting and abstaining oneself from drinking water) is among the many rituals performed during the festival. Of late, concerns relating to the rising levels of polluted particles in the Yamuna have made international news. Dipping into the polluted waters is like extending an open invitation to an array of diseases from skin and eye infections to even cancer in extreme cases. Regardless of the health concerns though, worshippers in the Capital continue to make a beeline towards the various Yamuna ghats – some specially constructed for Chhath – to show their undying devotion to the Sun god.
http://indianexpress.com/article/trending/voice/in-the-name-of-god-and-devotion-is-it-really-worth-taking-a-dip-in-toxic-yamuna-4364726/
Chhath Puja: Water and Air Pollution
Despite barricades on ghats, Yamuna left a polluted mess after Chhath Puja
As the festival season came to an end on Friday with Chhath Puja, DNA visited the Kalindi Kunj Yamuna ghat to see the level of pollution caused by the devotees there. Apart from the usual chemical froth layer on the water of the Yamuna, there is now all kinds of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste lying on the ghats, including garlands, idols and frames of deities, plastic wrappers/bottles (containing oil), idols, diyas and cloth, among other things.
http://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-despite-barricades-on-ghats-yamuna-left-a-polluted-mess-after-chhath-puja-2556098
Yamuna river: Sea of froth welcomes devotees on Chhath Puja
http://indianexpress.com/photos/picture-gallery-others/chhath-puja-yamuna-river-bank-pollution-4363633/4/
Chhath Puja 2017: Devotees Add to Yamuna’s Troubles in Delhi
https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/after-chhath-puja-yamuna-river-pollution-waste
Crackers burst during Chhath puja despite toxic air
http://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/crackers-burst-during-chhath-puja-despite-toxic-air/story-zItf2LO8kwUrCWz85J1dZM.html
Kali Puja: Air and Water Pollution
Pollution control board limits noise level of crackers
the WBPCB committee observed that the bursting of firecrackers during Kali Puja raised the ambient noise level compared to usual times.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/pollution-control-board-limits-noise-level-of-crackers/article7863090.ece
Immersion after-effect: Idols raise Hooghly water toxicity
With more than 2,500 idols being immersed till Saturday, the river has been left infested with oil and grease, suspended solids and lead far beyond the permissible limits. But the pollution level was still lower than last year, thanks to incessant showers that have washed away the harmful chemicals to a large extent.
The average lead content across the four ghats was 0.12 mg/litre, which is far higher than the permissible count of 0.01 mg/litre. “This is the most harmful aspect of pollution. Lead remains in water and affects the plants and animals. It returns to the environment through the aquatic plants and animals,” said Bhattacharya.
Dissolved oxygen count, too, plunged to 2.7 mg/litre, lower than the permissible limit of 5 mg/litre. It could drop further once more idols are immersed on Sunday. “The largest chunk of idols is yet to be immersed so the water quality will continue to take a beating. It could be far worse in the course of the week,” said Bhattacharya.
The post-Kali Puja period is the worst for the river, according to environmentalists. “The number of idols immersed is more than double that of Durga. More harmful chemicals are used in Kali idols, which gets dissolved in water. More importantly, there is hardly any effort to check the pollutants, unlike the Durga Puja immersions,” said a green activist.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/immersion-after-effect-idols-raise-hooghly-water-toxicity/articleshow/61167151.cms
Diwali: Air and Noise Pollution
Go through all the links which provides more information, I have copied only few passages.
Diwali Fallout: 15% Rise in Heart & Lung Disease Patients at AIIMS
https://www.thequint.com/fit/health-news/diwali-2017-more-heart-lung-patients-less-burn-injuries
Why bursting a cracker is equal to lighting 500 cigarettes at once
Pune-based Chest Research Foundation (CRF) reported that burning of fire-crackers during the Diwali festival in a residential society of Pune produced very high levels of gaseous air pollutants
In a study conducted in November 2016 by CRF, along with Dr Rohan Shah and Dhammasagar Ujagare, postgraduate students of Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences from University of Pune, proved that the snake tablet, burnt for only nine seconds, produced the highest peak of PM 2.5 (64,500µg/m³)–the equivalent of smoke generated from 500 cigarettes and the ‘laad’, which burnt for 48 seconds, produced high PM 2.5 levels of 38,540 µg/m³, equivalent to particulate matter emitted by 300 cigarettes.The snake, laad and pul-pul were the top three PM 2.5 producers, while the anar produced the lowest amount of PM 2.5. The anar produced the lowest levels because the smoke was measured at a height of 3 ft and a distance of 6 ft or because it had a better combustion rate, the researchers inferred.
PM 2.5 are very tiny particles (less than 2.5 microns in diameter). Because of its fineness, they are more dangerous. They have the ability to accumulate in human organs and blood and the ability to reach the deeper portions of the lung, damaging it.
Dr Sneha Limaye, senior scientist from CRF who supervised the study, said that,“if people ask us which are the most harmful fireworks in terms of PM 2.5 air pollution, then we can advise people to avoid burning these fire crackers. Children, in particular, burn the fulzhadi, pulpul and the snake tablet barely a foot or two away from them and in doing so, inhale a large number of smoke particles that reach deeper into their lungs.The levels of PM 2.5 were measured only when an individual firecracker was burnt, but in real terms, many people burn many firecrackers together, which means the cumulative levels of PM 2.5 could reach ‘extremely high levels’. ”
http://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/why-bursting-a-cracker-is-equal-to-lighting-500-cigarettes-at-once/story-zSqFpTjnUGqneFBreAgFUI.html
2016 Delhi pollution: Choking citizens lament burning firecrackers this Diwali
“The responsibility falls on us, we should have reduced fire-works during this Diwali and instead we should have lit lamps,” a local said.
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-pollution-choking-citizens-lament-burning-firecrackers-this-diwali-3741129/
Air Pollution in New Delhi Gets Dangerously High During Diwali Celebrations
The level of particulate matter in the air was more than double that of last year
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2016/11/01/air-pollution-in-new-delhi-gets-dangerously-high-during-diwali-celebrations/
Diwali: Delhi pollution ‘hits hazardous levels’
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34795305
Pollution soared to hazardous levels in Delhi on the night of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, reaching 40 times the limit recommended by the World Health Organisation, reports say.
On Diwali night, India gasped for breath
http://www.thehindu.com/data/pollution-on-diwali-night/article7872344.ece
“Twenty of 26 air quality monitoring stations across the country recorded “severe” air quality at midnight on Wednesday night, a level of pollution that India officially rates as its worst possible, and describes as one that “affects even healthy people, and seriously impacts those with existing diseases”.
“On Wednesday night, which was Diwali night, air quality deteriorated across the eight states for which data is available through the Central Pollution Control Board’s National Air Quality Index monitoring portal. Looking at PM2.5 levels – the hourly concentration of very fine particles up to 2.5 microgrammes in diameter which can severely affect respiratory functioning – alone, The Hindu found that even cities with relatively better air quality saw a dip on Wednesday night. Both the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi confirmed that firecrackers had contributed to the worse air quality.”
Air pollution on Diwali getting worse
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Air-pollution-on-Diwali-getting-worse/articleshow/44864005.cms
“An analysis of levels of various pollutants on Diwali day since 2010 reveals a disturbing trend. Levels of some pollutants, including sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), seem to be on the rise.
The levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres), which have serious health implications as these tend to get lodged in the lung and can even enter the bloodstream, have been seven to eight times higher than the standard level for several years.
PM 2.5 is associated with a number of health impacts such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic respiratory symptoms including, shortness of breath and painful breathing, and premature deaths. High SO2 levels are also linked with inflammation of airways and severe breathing difficulty.”
Diwali firecrackers push up pollution level across the country
http://www.news18.com/news/india/diwali-firecrackers-push-up-pollution-level-across-the-country-1163607.html
“According to the National Air Quality Index provided by the Central Pollution Control Board in ten cities, the prominent pollutant PM 2.5 was hovering between 200 and 500 in cities like Muzaffarpur, Lucknow, Faridabad, Kanpur and Agra.”
“The air quality was rated as ‘severe’ in Lucknow and Muzaffarpur and ‘very poor’ in Agra, Kanpur, Pune, Patna and Faridabad. Hyderabad and Chandrapur in Maharashtra recorded ‘poor’ air quality.”
“Toxic fume from cracker worsen the killer particles in the air that have already increased by 5 to 7 times than the safe standards. It also deposit deadly chemicals in our environment that will remain trapped for days,” the Centre for Science and Environment said.
“It said, since 2010, average Diwali pollution levels have shown very rapid build-up at least seven to eight times, but peak levels have hit ten times the standard.”
“This leads to very high exposure that harm health of not only those who suffer from respiratory and cardiac problems but even that of the normal healthy people,” the CSE said.
Air pollution to be at its peak during Diwali: Met department
http://zeenews.india.com/news/eco-news/air-pollution-to-be-at-its-peak-during-diwali-met-department_1820556.html
“According to NDTV, SAFAR’s Project In-charge, Gurfan Beig, said, “Winter is now set and temperature during Diwali-2015 is going to be colder as compared to last year’s Diwali-2014 which was in October. There is enough moisture in the air and atmospheric holding capacity is quite high for particles emitting from firecrackers. In all likelihood, air quality during Diwali 2015 is going to be inferior to that of Diwali 2014 owing to cooler temperature and downward shift of inversion layer.”
Records show levels of air, noise pollution exceed permissible limits on Diwali
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/community/records-show-levels-of-air-noise-pollution-exceed-permissible-limits-on-diwali/156786.html
Diwali pollution count in Kolkata 10 times normal limit
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Diwali-pollution-count-in-Kolkata-10-times-normal-limit/articleshow/55171312.cms
Increased pollution during Diwali causes breathing problems in Bengaluru
Data collected from two Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) locations of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in the city shows a surge in the amount of PM10 (particulate matter with particles less than 10 micrometre), which is associated with allergies and other complications.
Sample this. In 2015, the PM10 level at CAAQM City Railway Station was 117 micrograms/cubic metre. This year, however, it was 126 micrograms/cubic metre.
Though KSPCB is yet to compile the final data from all its 13 centres, preliminary analysis of data from the two CAAQM centres shows that pollution during this Diwali was more compared to last year. However, it was lower than the levels recorded in 2014.
Compared to normal days, there was an increase in the amount of pollutants measured by the agency. Though there was a decrease in the number of vehicles on the road during the holidays, it did not translate to any significant decrease in pollution. According to sources in Bengaluru Traffic Police, the city traffic volume dipped by 40-50 per cent in the past four- five days.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2016/nov/02/increased-pollution-during-diwali-causes-breathing-problems-in-bengaluru-1533993–1.html
MORE LINKS
http://www.indiaparenting.com/indianculture/festivals/diwali/diwali001.shtml
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/11/delhi-warns-against-diwali-fireworks-to-safeguard-air-quality
http://thewire.in/15669/diwali-was-worse-this-year-for-delhi-than-in-2014/
http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/11/13/delhi-air-pollution-diwal_n_8551036.html
Dushera: Air and Noise Pollution
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/dussehra-rally-too-loud-complains-activist-in-mumbai/articleshow/60896310.cms
People have been advised to cover their faces while walking; asthmatic patients must carry an inhaler
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-3835206/You-ll-ok-just-don-t-breath-Dussehra-fireworks-Delhi-doctors-report-sudden-rise-cases-respiratory-illness.html#ixzz4uLScTW5z
In air quality, victory of evil over good
GURGAON: The ritual of marking the victory of good over evil — burning Ravana effigies — had quite the opposite effect on air quality in Delhi-NCR, with the national capital, Gurgaon and Faridabad among the five most polluted cities in the country on Dussehra, according to data on 25 cities released by the Central Pollution Control Board.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/In-air-quality-victory-of-evil-over-good/articleshow/54820103.cms
Navratri rituals leave behind polluted rivers
http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/india-news/in-pics-navratri-rituals-leave-behind-polluted-rivers/photo-YYGESrf0cLUIg4Z3taNIBJ.html
Pre-Navratri noise pollution complaints from Silence Zones in Mumbai
http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/pre-navratri-noise-pollution-complaints-from-silence-zones-in-mumbai/story-V6mj5ITPSxws53GygnZyCL.html
Holi: Water wastage and hazardous toxics for environment
te
As India gets ready for Holi, a reminder of our dire water problems
http://scroll.in/bulletins/8/meet-four-companies-using-crowd-sourcing-to-put-the-consumer-at-the-center-of-their-businesses
Holi colours toxic for environment, report finds
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2299521/Holi-colours-toxic-environment-report-finds.html
“If you thought playing with colours was a safer option than Diwali fire crackers, it may be time to think again.
Scientists have found that Holi, like the festival of lights, is an environmental hazard.
Researchers Joy Joseph Gardner from University of Rajasthan and Deepanjali Lal from Jaipur National University have studied the effects of colours used during Holi on both water and soil, and the study has produced some startling results.
Water wasted on Holi
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/240316/water-wasted-on-holi.html
“Holi and World Water Day presented contrasting pictures altogether in the city. On March 22, many took a pledge to conserve water on the occasion of World Water Day. Awareness rallies were taken out sensitising people about various ways to stop wasting water. Just the next day, gallons of water was drained out in Holi celebrations.
After getting soaked in the Holi spirit, many kept the water taps open unnecessarily every which way, not something Vizagities can afford to do so when the city is staring at an imminent water crisis with plummeting water-levels in various reservoirs that meet the demand of the city.”
Dry, floral Holi can curtail water loss
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Dry-floral-Holi-can-curtail-water-loss/articleshow/19230993.cms
“The wastage of water could be estimated that while playing Holi, a person uses at least two buckets of water. A bucket is of 15 litres, which means that about 30 litres of water is wasted by a person on Holi. If about five lakh persons play with water on Holi, then 150 lakh litres of water would be wasted”
“Endorsing that water is misused during Holi, Institute of Environmental Entrepreneurship, Research, Education and Development (IEREED) have urged the revellers to play Holi with flowers. CK Chabbra of IREED said, “The wastage of water is high during the festival. Nearly two crore litres of water is wasted in a small city and one can imagine the quantum of loss for a big city like Lucknow.” He added people waste water not only while applying colours but also removing it. The toxic chemicals harm the skin and pollute the water causing severe damage to the environment.”
More links
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2299521/Holi-colours-toxic-environment-report-finds.html
http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/20153319058.html;jsessionid=6FC32765E31B0516B945DAB0E81D8E95
Not just that Hindus most favourite animal, I mean mother cow emits more CO2 than a car.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/cow-emissions-more-damaging-to-planet-than-co2-from-cars-427843.html
Many people also molests women on Holi, although this is irrelevant to the post but its worth reading,
“Meghana Sanka went to Nandgaon to witness the festivities this year around Holi and talks about how she was groped and assaulted by different men:
“A Sadhu stared at my breasts and before I could react, put his elbows out, rubbed them against my breasts and walked away. So much for being a Sadhu !”
Men shamelessly robbed her off her modesty. They followed her around, targeting her posterior with their pichkaris. If that wasn’t enough, she suddenly felt a burning sensation.
While we were rounding up our bunch of people, a few locals came up loaded with their big pichkaris and aimed at my posterior and another friend’s back. We tried to move but their pichkaris followed. We hurriedly left the temple only to find that the water had trickled down to my thighs and it was burning.”
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/holi-molestation-lath-maar-holi/
Temple Loudspeakers
Temple loudspeakers give residents sleepless nights
In the name of religion temples play loud music and it gets worse during Bonalu.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/130717/telangana-temple-loudspeakers-give-residents-sleepless-nights.html
Karnataka: Temple loud-speakers make some noise
A few residents, staying close to the famous Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Mangalore, have complained against the use of loudspeakers, sparking social media debates and tension in the area. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other right-wing outfit leaders sought intervention of the endowment department. They demanded the use of loud speakers.
https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/state/karnataka-temple-loud-speakers-make-some-noise/articleshow/62226467.cms
Banned by SC, but loudspeakers still spring up in city, rob citizens of peace
Many residents complain that the Pollution Control Board is not taking action against the violators. “I have not slept properly for the past few days because of the unbearable noise from the cone-shaped loud speakers from a temple. It has become a nuisance, especially when they play loud songs during late night and also early morning,” said S Shashwathi, a resident of Shanthi Nagar. She said elderly people, children and pets are also suffering because of the noise pollution.
“There is hardly anyone to check the noise level of these speakers. Many small temples are playing music from speakers which have high decibel level throughout the day even though puja is only during morning and evening. It’s causing irritation rather than a pleasant feeling,” she said.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2016/oct/13/banned-by-sc-but-loudspeakers-still-spring-up-in-city-rob-citizens-of-peace-1527439.html
Bismillah ir Rahman nir Raheem
Road Block
Hindus shamelessly justify blocking of road for their festivals saying that their festivals occurs just once a year. But don’t they pay heed to how many festivals they have in a year. First comes their Kanwar Yatra in which the Hindu devotees vandalizes public property, assaults police, entire National Highway 58 is blocked for at least 3 days and there’s heavy traffic jam due to their procession and it goes on for like a month, then comes Navratri, then comes their Ganesh Chaturthi in which Pandals are set up on roads and it goes on for at least 10 days then there’s road block and water pollution due to Ganesh Visarjan, then comes Durga Puja, Dushera, Diwali, Holi, Ugadi, Bonalu, rallies are taken on roads in Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti and so forth but still they would claim that their festival comes just once a year.
Road Block by Temples during festivals
Although many Hindu Temples are built illegally by encroaching roads, footpaths and public places, Hindu temples also encroaches roads during Hindu festivals. They set up Pandals on roads, temporary shed is set up on roads…
Temple digs up, takes part of bustling T Nagar road ahead of Vaukuntha Ekadashi
CHENNAI: The management of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) on Venkatanarayana Road in T Nagar has drilled holes on the road and installed temporary barricades using wooden logs blocking half of the road.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ttd-temple-officials-dig-and-encroach-on-to-road/articleshow/62286911.cms
Bengaluru: Temple encroaches road in Thygarajanagar
In a petition filed before the high court, Mr Rao states that his mother, who had undergone a surgery, had to walk home as the road was closed for some temple celebration.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/230718/bengaluru-temple-encroaches-road-in-thygarajanagar.html
‘Giri Pradakshina’ leaves highway chock-a-block
Almost all major junctions along the stretch of National Highway-16 passing through the city were chock-a-block on Thursday as thousands of devotees of Lord Appanna, the presiding deity of Varaha Lakshminrusimha Swamy temple atop Simhachalam Hill, walked barefoot to complete the 32-km circumambulation of the hill, as part of the annual ‘Giri Pradakshina’ ritual.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/giri-pradakshina-leaves-highway-chock-a-block/article24524546.ece
Amarnath Yatra
Bear with highway restrictions for yatra: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik
From July 1, the government banned civilian traffic movement for five hours every day on a 96-km stretch of National Highway to allow unrestricted access to Amarnath yatra vehicles.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bear-with-highway-restrictions-for-yatra-j-k-governor-satya-pal-malik/story-kOVJPgA3uFfufAcXrXBbuM.html
Kanwar Yatra
NH 58 shut down due to Kanwar Yatra
https://www.patrika.com/meerut-news/nh-58-completely-closed-3-to-9-augest-during-kanwar-yatra-1-3132949/
https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/meerut/kanwar-yatra-2018-nh-58-will-be-closed-from-august-4-this-diversion-system-will-remain
Highway to remain shut during Kanwar yatra this year
https://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/highway-to-remain-shut-during-kanwar-yatra-this-year/story-CHnhltN1HEpx5COGeu6kLP.html
Traffic jams due to Kanwar Yatra
The route towards Dehra Dun has also been blocked to traffic to facilitate movement of the Kanwarias,” said traffic police officer
Traffic jams on the busy National Highway-24 in East Delhi have become the order of the day with a large number of Kanwarias undertaking their annual pilgrimage on foot to and from Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/traffic-jams-due-to-kanwar-yatra/article3642275.ece
Kanwar processions bring Bareilly to standstill on last Monday of Shraavana
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/kanwar-processions-bring-bareilly-to-standstill-on-last-monday-of-shraavana/articleshow/65479517.cms
Snarl alert for kanwar yatra from next week
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65110126.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Ganesh Chaturthi/Visarjan
No action against Ganesh pandal for blocking entire road
http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/no-action-against-ganesh-pandal-for-blocking-entire-road/98921
Pandals on roads pose problems for people
http://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/pandals-on-roads-pose-problems-for-people/923030
What gives Ganesh mandals the divine right to use road space?
http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/what-gives-ganesh-mandals-the-divine-right-to-use-road-space/92353
Pune’s Ganesh festival needs out-of-box thinking
https://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/pune-s-ganesh-festival-needs-out-of-box-thinking/story-bLH0VBS2IOOos2ZAF9OrRJ.html
Ganesh pandals eating into roads and footpaths of city
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/sep/04/Ganesh-pandals-eating-into-roads-and-footpaths-of-city-1515910.html
Ganesh pandals remain days after celebrations
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/60496626.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Road block due to Ganesh immersion
11 major roads closed for Ganesh immersion in Pune
https://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/11-major-roads-closed-for-ganesh-immersion-in-pune/story-0WNE9QfBYswyziLcGm5NCP.html
These Mumbai roads will be shut for today’s Ganesh immersion
https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/these-mumbai-roads-will-be-shut-for-tomorrow-s-ganesh-immersion/story-8kQuyGPgNxYyvQ1sb9p3PK.html
Ganesh immersion: roads remain chock-a-block with traffic
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hyderabad-ganesh-immersion-roads-remain-chockablock-with-traffic/article6394820.ece
Traffic restrictions for immersion in Hyderabad
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Traffic-restrictions-for-immersion-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/54322739.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Hyderabad commuters spend hours on the road as visarjan, rains slow traffic
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/sep/07/hyderabad-commuters-spend-hours-on-the-road-as-visarjan-rains-slow-traffic-1653558.html
These roads will be shut for Ganesh Visarjan
As Ahmedabad gears up for the last day of Ganesh Utsav, Mirror tells you the roads you should avoid. According to the police commissioner’s notification, three roads in the city will be shut on Tuesday, from 1pm till late night.
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/these-roads-will-be-shut-for-ganesh-visarjan/articleshow/60368403.cms
Ram Navami
Traffic comes to a halt as 22 Ram Navami rallies choke city
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/traffic-comes-to-a-halt-as-22-ram-navami-rallies-choke-city/articleshow/58036728.cms
62 Ram Navami rallies cripple traffic across Kolkata
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/62-ram-navami-rallies-cripple-traffic-across-kolkata/articleshow/63458902.cms
Hyderabad: Traffic curbs for Rama Navami
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/240318/hyderabad-traffic-curbs-for-rama-navami.html
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti procession throws Hyderabad traffic out of gear
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/apr/01/hanuman-jayanti-procession-throws-hyderabad-traffic-out-of-gear-1795471.html
Traffic curbs for Hanuman Jayanti rally
Traffic coming from Afzalgunj, Salar Jung Bridge and Shankersher Hotel will be diverted towards Gowliguda and Putlibowli and not allowed towards Gowliguda Gurudwara when the participants gather at Ram Mandir, Gowliguda chaman. Similarly, traffic will not be allowed on Andhra Bank and Rang Mahal road when the procession approaches Koti.
Vehicles will not be allowed on Sultan Bazaar and Kachiguda Crossroads when the procession moves on the road and will be diverted at Badichowdi towards Barkatpura and towards Crown Hotel at VST Crossroads.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/traffic-curbs-for-hanuman-jayanti-rally/article8507130.ece
Krishna Janmashtami
Traffic diversion in and around ISKCON temple for three days
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/traffic-diversion-in-and-around-iskcon-temple-for-three-days/article6324403.ece
Dusshera
Traffic diversion announced for Noida on Dussehra
Vehicles will not be allowed on roads surrounding the Noida Stadium and Sector 62 ground.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/traffic-diversion-announced-for-noida-on-dussehra/story-ZBctslJHiq15I9pDITeNnK.html
Bengaluru-Mysuru road chock-a-block with traffic due to Dussehra celebrations
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/bengaluru-mysuru-road-chock-a-block-with-traffic-due-to-dussehra-celebrations/articleshow/60896320.cms
The arch erected for Dasara celebrations by local residents is hampering the movement of heavy vehicles.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/citizen-reporter/stories/road-block/articleshow/60863468.cms
Traffic diversions for peaceful Dussehra in the Kanpur
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Traffic-diversions-for-peaceful-Dussehra-in-the-Kanpur/articleshow/16934383.cms
Delhi police issues traffic advisory in view of Dussehra celebrations
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-police-issues-traffic-advisory-in-view-dussehra-celebrations/articleshow/60894050.cms
Expect traffic jams on Dussehra, warn police
https://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/expect-traffic-jams-on-dussehra-warn-police/story-sROJ62dtfiEA2EC1BfXDGL.html
BLOCKING RAILWAY TRACKS
Not just Amritsar, several Dussehra events in Punjab are held right next to rail tracks
https://theprint.in/statedraft/not-just-amritsar-several-dussehra-events-in-punjab-are-held-right-next-to-rail-tracks/139328/
50 killed in Amritsar as train ploughs through crowd watching Ravan effigy burning
https://theprint.in/india/governance/50-killed-in-amritsar-as-train-ploughs-through-crowd-watching-ravan-effigy-burning/137493/
Diwali
Traffic diversion on major roads for Diwali
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/traffic-diversion-on-major-roads-for-diwali/articleshow/61115670.cms
Traffic diversions in place ahead of Diwali
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/Traffic-diversions-in-place-ahead-of-Diwali/articleshow/55076287.cms
Bhopal: Strategic road diversion in place to avoid Diwali traffic chaos
http://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-strategic-road-diversion-in-place-to-avoid-diwali-traffic-chaos/1154315
Many Ghaziabad routes to be closed for heavy vehicles during Diwali
https://www.news18.com/news/india/many-ghaziabad-routes-to-be-closed-for-heavy-vehicles-during-diwali-720232.html
Bonalu
Traffic restrictions for Bonalu in Old Hyderabad
The road between Madina cross roads-Roads and Engine Bowli, Jahanuma, will be closed for all vehicular traffic.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/160717/traffic-restrictions-for-bonalu-in-old-hyderabad.html
Traffic curbs for Bonalu festival
Closed roads
Mahankali temple from Tobacco Bazar Hill Street and General Bazaar.
Subhash Road starting from Bata crossroads up to Ramgopalpet police station.
Mahankali temple from General Bazaar.
Secunderabad railway station towards St. Mary’s Road. Buses proceeding towards Secunderabad station from Hakimpet, Bowenpally, Balanagar and Ameerpet will be terminated at Clock Tower.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/280718/traffic-curbs-for-bonalu-festival.html
Traffic restrictions for Bonalu processions
According to an official release, traffic from Kandikalgate would not be allowed towards Lal Darwaza and would be diverted at Chatrinaka PS `T’ junction towards Gowlipura
The road between Madina X Roads and Engine Bowli, Jahnuma, would be closed to all vehicular traffic.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Traffic-restrictions-for-Bonalu-processions/articleshow/4796475.cms
Traffic diversions for Bonalu festival
Traffic coming from Kandikalgate will not be allowed towards Lal Darwaza and diverted at Chatrinaka police station “T” junction towards Gowlipura. Vehicles coming from Phoolbagh towards Lal Darwaza will be diverted at Pather-Ki-Dargah towards the office of ACP, Chatrinaka.
Vehicles coming from Balagunj will not be allowed towards Lal Darwaza and diverted towards Gowlipura crossroad. Vehicles from Gowlipura market towards Sudha talkies will be diverted at Central Library towards Ashoka pillar crossroads. Traffic from Meer-Ka-Daira and Moghalpura will not be allowed towards Shahalibanda and diverted at Haribowli crossroads.
The road between Madina crossroads and Engine Bowli, Jahanuma will be closed for all vehicular traffic.
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/Traffic-diversions-for-Bonalu-festival/article14810120.ece
Holi
Road block on Holi during Panchkrohi Parikrama
https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/mathura-road-block-on-holi-festival-19053371.html
