No, this is not just an anti-firecracker resolution for Diwali by an individual or even a concerned group. Animal welfare worker and city resident, Rengachari, took this solemn oath on Facebook, which has been shared by over 300 persons so far, along with 'likes' aplenty on the social networking site.

"It is high time each of us take such a vow to improve our environment. There are better ways to celebrate our festivals, rather than make irritating noise and add to air pollution,'' added Rengachari.

In fact, several conscientious citizens across Navi Mumbai are trying to spread awareness about the harmful effects of crackers in their own small way.

A group of youngsters organized a peaceful demonstration in Panvel this week by displaying banners to discourage people from buying crackers.

"Besides humans, the Diwali fireworks also have a very bad effect on animals. However, the plus point is that already a lot of people have become aware of this issue and are thinking twice before buying crackers," said a Navi Mumbai-based animal activist, Arati Chauhan.

Podar Institute of Education, a teachers' training college in the city, had held a series of puppet shows for the pre-primary children in the city to highlight the environmental problem and other issues related to the rampant use of crackers.

Anti-noise activist of the NGO Awaaz Foundation, Sumaira Abdulali said, "Just last week, we had carried out an exercise, along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to test the decibel levels of various crackers. Most of the popular fireworks like 'sutli bomb' and certain rockets are exceedingly loud, which can also cause hearing problems. That is why all of us should not make use of these things.''

Meanwhile, pet owners have been cautioned to keep their pets away from places where noisy crackers are burst, as animals tend to become terrified and flee, which can harm them further.