Fireworks add to air and noise pollution

This year a campaign to stop the use of firecrackers has intensified.

Many schoolchildren in Delhi have taken part in a vigorous public campaign, marching in rallies, displaying campaign posters and making public pledges not to buy crackers.

The campaigners have several objections.

Air pollution has become an acute problem in India's cities as the volume of road traffic has steadily increased.

Delhi is often covered by thick pollutant smog in the winter and campaigners say firecrackers worsen existing air pollution by six to ten times.

People with asthma and heart diseases are amongst those who suffer as a result.

Child labour

Some campaigners say the crackers frighten animals and small children and cause numerous injuries.

Many firecrackers are made by children

Many hospitals are now on special alert for the holiday season to treat emergency burns caused by accidents with firecrackers.

There's also concern about their manufacture.

Groups working to end child labour say the industry employs about 50,000 children, some as young as 10 or 11 and the majority, girls.

They say poor working conditions and constant exposure to gunpowder can cause severe health problems for the children.

As the lobby against firecrackers increases, campaigners are urging the public to focus instead on lighting lamps and candles to celebrate Diwali.