Barpeta (Assam): The traditional firecracker industry of Assam is not only losing its sheen but is also facing an existential threat. The industry which enjoyed royal patronage in during the time of Ahom Kings has suffered due to the COVID-19 induced lockdown. The artisans engaged in the firecracker making units in Barpeta are facing threat to their livelihood.
After close to a nine-month lockdown, the traditional firecracker industry had high hopes for good business during the Deepawali this year. Riding high on the anti-Chinese sentiments after the Galwan standoff, the people engaged in the traditional firecracker industry of Barpeta were expecting a bumper business this year during the festival of lights. However, a last-minute ban on firecrackers issued by the National Green Tribunal has dimmed the hopes of those involved.
Ritamoni Pathak, owner of one firecracker making unit in Barpeta says, "if the Assam government bans the use of firecrackers during Deepawali as per the order of the National Green Tribunal, it will be very difficult for us. We are just starting the industry after closure of nine months. Not only us, but the potters engaged in our industry will also suffer. This century-old industry will be on the verge of death permanently."
The traditional firecracker making units in Barpeta are different than those in Sivakasi or other parts of the country. The firecracker units at Barpeta do not use any harmful chemical emanating smoke that pollutes the environment. The traditional firecrackers made in Barpeta basically emanate low sounds and are more colourful lights. The turnover of the industry is about Rs 1.5 crore per year and has given employment to many unemployed youths in the district.
"We do not use many chemicals in the firecrackers. The ingredients used since 1885 are still being used. That is the reason why the firecrackers made at Barpeta are pollution-free. Our firecrackers produce less sound and more lights, which is a speciality. Therefore I feel that the state government should take some steps in this regard so that the industry and the people involved in it can survive," adds Ritamoni Pathak.
Gopjit Pathak, a traditional firecracker making unit owner said, "We do not use Barium Nitrate that causes pollution. The traditional firecrackers of Barpeta are pollution-free. We welcome the decision by the Pollution control board and the NGT. However, as our firecrackers have zero pollution level, the Assam government should help us so that we can sell our products in the market for a pollution-free Deepavali."
After the nine months of closure, people involved in the firecracker industry had even taken loans from banks to make firecrackers for the Deepawali. They had already brought raw materials and stocks were even ready to sell in the market. Now the last-minute direction from the NGT has threatened the lives and livelihood of many people and the industry itself.
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