"Sale of firecrackers so far has been 40 per cent less compared to last year. With a day left for Diwali, there is no hope of sales picking up," says J P Singh of Delhi Fireworks Traders Association.
Stringent checks by Delhi Police on unauthorised sale of firecrackers, strict court orders banning bursting of crackers after midnight and widespread anti-cracker campaigns seem to be the primary reasons for the drop in sales, he says.
"Business has been down this year as sales have not touched 25 per cent of last year figures with less stock and high prices," says a dealer of Sai Fire Works.
"Authorities have the habit to impose stringent laws and take strict actions just days before Diwali. Diwali is the only time when we sell our goods, and all our hard work in the 365 days of the year goes for a toss with authorities taking actions only around Diwali," says Sunit Batra of Jai Baba Fireworks. "This year I haven't ordered for more firecrackers, as I have huge piles left over last year. Why can't the authorities or government present us a clear picture whether to sell crackers or not," says Batra.
Senior ccientist M P George of Delhi Pollution Control Committee says that most of the sale of crackers take place on the last day of the Diwali, and that Saturday night will give us the final picture.
On the impact of anti-cracker campaigns, the scientist says that in the last five years there has been a considerable reduction in the level of pollutant concentration. In Delhi, the concentration of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide was 7 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) and 91 ug/m3, respectively, around the time of Diwali last year.
The levels, however, recorded a shocking 10 ug/m3 and 101 ug/m3 after the festival, according to a report by Central Pollution Control Board. Anti-cracker campaigns have certainly contributed something, remarks George.
Some metropolitans, such as Bangkok, have banned the use of firecrackers. It would be a reasonable idea to implement the same in India, or have a limited use of good quality crackers and centralise the procedure of manufacturing and distribution of fire crackers, adds the scientist.
Most of the firecracker dealers, meanwhile say that they may have to shutdown the business from next year if such a trend in the business continues. "This is the last year we will be selling crackers. About 80 per cent dealers will not sell crackers from next year," emphasises Sunil.