Schools, colleges told to administer pollution-free Diwali pledge

The directive follows an October 15 order passed by the court in a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) of 2026 concerning awareness about noise and environmental pollution

Following a Bombay High Court directive, the directorate of education (secondary and higher secondary) has instructed schools and junior colleges across Maharashtra to administer a pledge urging students to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali, officials said on Wednesday.

The pledge highlights the impact of firecracker pollution on young children, senior citizens and patients, as well as animals and birds, and calls upon students to make pollution-free celebrations a collective responsibility. (HT FILE)

The directive follows an October 15 order passed by the court in a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) of 2026 concerning awareness about noise and environmental pollution.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, education director (secondary and higher secondary) Mahesh Palkar directed divisional deputy directors of education, district education officers and education inspectors to ensure that the instructions reach all school and junior college principals. Schools and colleges have been advised to use the daily assembly period for the pledge.

“The initiative is aimed at creating awareness among students about the harmful effects of noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers. We want them to carry this message beyond schools and encourage their families and friends to celebrate Diwali responsibly,” said Palkar.

The pledge highlights the impact of firecracker pollution on young children, senior citizens and patients, as well as animals and birds, and calls upon students to make pollution-free celebrations a collective responsibility.