Fireworks ban fizzles out due to lack of forethought

ON SATURDAY, Central China's Henan province issued a notice extending its fireworks ban to cover all urban and rural regions. Yet two days later, it withdrew the decision and suspended the total ban because of opposition from residents and fireworks sellers. The total ban is a good idea to fight air pollution, but it requires a well thought out and practical plan for its implementation, says people.com.cn:

Fireworks are considered part of the traditional celebrations for the Lunar New Year, but they are also a main source of air pollution during that period. Tests show that the density of PM2.5, the minute particles that are extremely harmful to human health, can reach 400 to 500 micrograms per cubic meter after fireworks are set off. Tradition is no excuse for harming people's health.

That's why a total ban on fireworks during the Spring Festival period is necessary. It might be hard for some people to accept it, but the fact is that setting off fireworks as part of people's Spring Festival celebrations belongs to the past and should be gradually abandoned.