Chennai: While rains may have already spoiled Deepavali cracker bursts in the city, a number of corporates are advocating that their employees opt for a green Deepavali this year.
With an estimated Rs 2,000 crore fireworks burnt during Deepavali and contaminating the environment every year, companies are taking a stand against pollution through crackers and child labour in the fireworks industry. A number of them are running campaigns asking their employees to rethink their festival strategy.
Mr Veerasundar Veluswamy, EVP & CFO, CSS Corp, said, “Real wealth is from leaving a lasting legacy of pure air, water and forests to our future generations. We are encouraging employees to use traditional diyas, avoid buying crackers and give eco-friendly gifts. Not just during Deepavali, but throughout the year.”
Highlighting the need for employees to embrace Swachch India as a lifestyle, Mr Pruthvi Nanjappa, VP-HR, Ness Software Engineering Services, said, “If employees have access to green products, they can market them internally within the company. In the spirit of a cleaner, greener India, we are also ensuring that the Deepavali gifts that we give employees this year come wrapped in paper and jute bags.”
Some companies have asked their staff to take a pledge to celebrate a no-noise Deepavali. “We are also encouraging our partners and staff not to send out printed Deepavali greetings and instead switch to e-greetings and also look at green alternatives for gifting - like a sapling,” said Mr Shivoo Koteshwar, director, engineering, Mediatek. They are also being encouraged to contribute to a social cause as the Vizag hurricane relief or sponsor a day for an orphanage or old age home, he added.
Advocating the 3Rs for a green Deepavali, Mr Srikanth B.R., delivery manager, Infosys, said, “Reduce - pollution levels by not bursting fireworks; Refuse - to buy and burst expensive, loud crackers; Rethink - not once but many times to ensure we don’t succumb to the desire to go and buy toxic crackers.”
