Children burning crackers during Diwali celebrations NEW DELHI: In a significant move highlighting the ongoing issue of pollution during festive celebrations, the Supreme Court on Monday addressed the rampant and unchecked bursting of firecrackers on Diwali night, despite a clear ban. The court issued a formal notice to both the Delhi government and the Delhi police, demanding explanations for their failure to enforce this directive and seeking their input on the possibility of imposing a year-round ban on firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR).
A bench comprised of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed deep concern over the lack of adherence to court orders regarding firecrackers. The justices instructed the Delhi government to present the specific order under which the ban had been mandated.
Emphasizing the critical importance of regulating polluting firecrackers to combat deteriorating air quality, the court asserted that enforcement must be prioritized by relevant authorities. Furthermore, the justices hinted that the prohibition should extend beyond Diwali, suggesting that restrictions be placed on fireworks during various celebratory events, such as weddings and poll victories, to mitigate pollution. They clearly stated that failure to implement these orders could foster “chaos” in the already burdened air quality of the city.
There cannot be any dispute that the ban was hardly implemented. The bench pointed out that the repercussions of non-compliance are starkly evident from a recent report released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), revealing that pollution levels in Delhi during Diwali 2024 reached unprecedented highs, significantly surpassing those recorded in 2022 and 2023. “The alarming report also indicates a simultaneous rise in farm fires during the Diwali period,” the bench highlighted, compelling the Delhi government and the Delhi Police Commissioner to file comprehensive affidavits.
The court underscored the necessity for stringent measures to ensure adherence to its ruling, including the potential sealing of stores found selling firecrackers and the implementation of a robust mechanism to prevent such activities in the future.
“We direct the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit presenting the orders enacted to ban firecrackers, alongside an account of the actions they have taken towards enforcing this ban. A notice has been issued to the Commissioner of Police in Delhi, calling for an affidavit outlining the steps taken by police to enforce the complete prohibition on firecracker usage,” the court mandated. Alongside these affidavits, the Delhi government and law enforcement must detail practical measures they plan to implement in the coming year to ensure full compliance with the firecracker ban, which will also encompass public awareness initiatives,” the court insisted.
The apex court initially imposed a stringent blanket ban on the sale of firecrackers in the National Capital Region back in November 2016, subsequently directing the Centre to revoke all licenses permitting the sale of fireworks. As the limitations of this order became apparent, the Supreme Court later broadened the ban to encompass the entire country, allowing only eco-friendly “green crackers.” Given the ineffectiveness of the initial prohibition, the SC took a firmer stance in 2021, mandating that top bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and police commissioner of the respective regions, be held personally accountable for any violations of its orders.
Recognizing that its previous directives, including the prohibition on the sale and manufacturing of polluting firecrackers, had been overlooked, the court emphasized last year that accountability must be established for non-compliance with its directives. The justices reiterated that the police commissioner should bear responsibility for any breaches and directed the Delhi police to guarantee a comprehensive ban on all firecrackers, including the so-called green crackers, which had also been banned by the Delhi government in a bid to address the life-threatening pollution levels plaguing the city during the festive season.
Firecrackers ban in Delhi 2024
**Interview on Supreme Court Ruling on Firecrackers During Diwali**
**Moderator**: Welcome to our special segment on environmental issues. Today, we’re discussing a recent verdict by the Supreme Court of India regarding firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. Joining us is environmental activist and advocate for pollution control, Ms. Priya Sharma. Welcome, Priya!
**Priya Sharma**: Thank you for having me.
**Moderator**: The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance against the rampant use of firecrackers during Diwali. Can you provide us with some context on why this decision is so critical?
**Priya Sharma**: Certainly. Every year during the Diwali festival, pollution levels in Delhi soar, largely due to the bursting of firecrackers. This not only worsens air quality but also poses serious health risks, especially to children and the elderly. The Supreme Court’s ruling aims to reinforce existing bans and address the non-compliance by local authorities. By highlighting the issue, the court is prompting necessary action to protect public health and the environment.
**Moderator**: It’s noted that the court expressed concern about the lack of enforcement from the Delhi government and police. Why do you think there has been such a failure to implement the ban effectively?
**Priya Sharma**: Unfortunately, it often boils down to a combination of lack of political will, inadequate resources, and the cultural significance of fireworks during celebrations. Many people view firecrackers as an integral part of Diwali, which makes enforcement challenging. However, the court’s directive is crucial. It’s a message that regulation and enforcement must be prioritized, not just during Diwali, but for all occasions where firecrackers might be used.
**Moderator**: The court also mentioned the possibility of extending the ban beyond Diwali. What impact would a year-round ban on firecrackers have on air quality?
**Priya Sharma**: A year-round ban could lead to significant improvements in air quality, particularly in urban areas like Delhi, which are already grappling with severe pollution problems. By reducing the overall number of firecrackers used, we could see fewer spikes in pollution levels, which have dire health implications. It’s about creating a culture of celebration that doesn’t compromise our lungs or the environment.
**Moderator**: You mentioned health implications. What specific health risks are associated with the pollution from firecrackers?
**Priya Sharma**: The pollutants released from firecrackers include particulate matter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and worsen conditions like asthma. Children are particularly vulnerable, and the increase in hospital admissions during and after Diwali reflects this harsh reality.
**Moderator**: What steps do you think the local government should take to enforce this ban effectively?
**Priya Sharma**: First, they need to implement a robust monitoring system that tracks sales and usage of firecrackers. Regular raids on shops selling them and imposing fines on violations could deter sellers from breaking the law. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to educate people about the consequences of firecrackers on health and the environment, encouraging them to opt for eco-friendly celebrations instead.
**Moderator**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Priya. It sounds like a comprehensive approach is needed to tackle this urgent issue.
**Priya Sharma**: Absolutely! We need a collective effort from the government, community leaders, and individuals to make any real change. Thank you for having me.
**Moderator**: Thank you for joining us today, Priya. As the festive season approaches, let us all reflect on how we can celebrate responsibly and protect our environment.
