WWF-India's EIACP Programme Centre – Resource Partner (PC-RP), supported by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, has appealed to the people of Bihar to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali this year and help keep the air clean.

The appeal is part of the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign 2026 (20 October – 8 November), under the Government of India's Mission LiFE. In Bihar, the campaign focuses on three cities covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Patna.

Why it matters

Firecrackers release fine dust (PM2.5 and PM10), smoke and harmful gases. In early winter, calm air can trap this smoke near the ground for days. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with asthma or heart conditions are the most affected. Firecrackers can also cause burns and fires, and they frighten animals and birds. Avoiding firecrackers is a simple way for every family to protect the air we all breathe.

Take the Green Diwali Pledge

WWF EIACP invites every citizen, student, teacher and family to take the Green Diwali Pledge:

“I pledge to celebrate a cracker-free Green Diwali. I will not burst firecrackers, and I will encourage my family, friends and neighbours to do the same. I will light diyas and energy-efficient lights, make rangoli with natural colours, avoid single-use plastic, segregate my waste and choose local products. I will do my part for clean air, good health and a pollution-free environment.”

Simple Steps Towards a Green Diwali

• Choose Eco-Friendly Diyas and Candles: Use traditional earthen diyas and eco-friendly candles, and avoid excessive energy consumption.
• Go Sustainable with Gifts: Choose locally made, eco-friendly gifts with minimal packaging.
• Say No to Firecrackers: Avoid firecrackers to help reduce air and noise pollution and protect public health.
• Decorate Naturally: Make rangolis using natural materials such as flower petals, rice flour and turmeric, and try DIY decorations using upcycled materials.
• Minimise Waste: Avoid single-use plastics, reuse decorations, and segregate waste for recycling.
• Organise Community Events: Host plantation drives, neighbourhood clean-up activities and environmental awareness walks to encourage collective action.
• Donate for a Good Cause: Donate old clothes and unused, usable household items to people in need, promoting reuse and reducing waste.
• Adopt Greener Mobility: Walk, cycle or use public or shared transport for festive travel whenever practical.
• Check Your Air: Follow the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app and limit outdoor exposure on poor air days.

Join the Campaign

Schools, colleges, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and community groups in Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Patna are encouraged to organise pledge drives during assemblies, classes, rallies and community meetings.

Citizens are also encouraged to take WWF-India's Carbon Footprint Survey to understand their environmental footprint and adopt more sustainable habits.

Participating institutions and groups are asked to share their activities through the online form below. Each submission should include the name and location of the institution or organisation, the activity details and date, the number of participants who took the pledge, geo-tagged photographs and a brief report. Selected entries may be featured on EIACP websites and social media platforms.

Useful links

SAMEER App (CPCB)

• Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cpcb&pcampaignid=web_share

• iPhone:

https://apps.apple.com/in/app/sameer-indias-aqi/id1186664744

Carbon Footprint Survey: https://wwfindiawebgis.in/Carbon_Footprint/Carbon_Footprint.html

Share your activities: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15hDbjbqZzeo68kNjAxeHQA_SMIQ7lUlPdvCIi-gvwdY/viewform

This Diwali, celebrate with light, not smoke. Let Bihar breathe clean air.

Swachh Pawan, Neel Gagan

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2334150) आगंतुक पटल : 39