New Jersey: In New Jersey, United States, scenes of massive garbage accumulation on the streets following the Diwali celebrations are widely circulating on social media. The visuals show remnants of burnt firecrackers, cardboard boxes, plastic covers, and ash scattered across public roads as part of the festivities. These controversial scenes have emerged from areas including Jersey City and India Street. Videos circulating online show firefighters using powerful water jets to remove the piled-up trash from the roads while police officers stand guard nearby. Social media users are questioning why the responsibility for cleaning the streets after the celebrations is not being assumed by the organizers or participants. Critics emphasize that while there is freedom to celebrate one’s own culture and traditions in America, there is also a responsibility to maintain cleanliness in public spaces. Discussions are also ongoing about noise pollution caused by the excessive use of firecrackers, air pollution, and fire safety concerns. At the same time, opinions are being voiced that blaming the entire Indian community for the irresponsible actions of a few individuals is unjust. Media reports released on November 10 corroborate the social media criticisms regarding the incident, although the dates and locations of all the videos being circulated have not been independently verified. Similar images from previous years’ Diwali celebrations have also circulated before. The New Jersey incident serves as a reminder that maintaining cleanliness in the environment after celebrations is as much a social responsibility as the joy those celebrations bring.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
