Firecracker manufacturers had told the court that use of crackers should not be completely banned.
As pollution in Delhi reaches levels unimaginable, the Supreme Court allowed sale and use of firecrackers with stringent conditions. On Diwali, crackers will be allowed for two hours, from 8 pm to 10 pm, the court said. With the government now pushing new initiatives to curtail hazardous air, a petition called for the countrywide ban citing the ill effects on environment and public health.
Firecracker manufacturers had earlier told the court that use of crackers should not be completely banned as it will cost thousands their livelihood. They have also contested that crackers are not the sole reason for increase in air pollution and factors like wind and temperature also contribute to it.
Here are the Highlights on Supreme Court verdict on Firecrackers:
Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha said there was no such thing as an environmentally safe firework and blasted the court decision."Your one decision to allow sale and use of firecrackers in current times, while half of our country turns into a gas chamber, will kill toddlers, children and elderly," Mr Jha said in a Tweet.
Gopal Sankarnarayan, a lawyer for the petitioners, told NDTV that the Supreme Court verdict "needs to be enforced strictly".
Vijay Panjwani, advocate for Central Pollution Control Board says, "Supreme Court's orders are not very strict. We were expecting complete ban but that has not happened. Firecrackers will be allowed but there is time restriction as it will be allowed between 8 pm to 10 pm."
Supreme Court directs CPCB to monitor Air Quality
Supreme court directs Central Pollution Control Board to monitor air quality 7 days before and 7 days after Diwali.
Bursting of crackers allowed only in community areas
Only designated community areas in Delhi-NCR identified by Central Pollution Control Board will be allowed for bursting.
Timings for bursting crackers across India during festivals:
- Supreme Court allows bursting of crackers on diwali from 8 PM to 10 PM.
- On Christmas and New Year, from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.
The Supreme Court directions apply to all festivals and functions like marriages.
Supreme Court Verdict On Firecrackers:
- Crackers with reduced emission would only be permitted to be manufactured.
- Sale will happen through licence holders.
- No e-commerce websites can sell crackers and if sold they will be hauled up for contempt.
- Extensive public awareness to be undertaken by government.
- Station house officers of police station concerned will be held liable if banned firecrackers are sold in their area.
No Ban On Sale Of Firecrackers: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court verdict allows sale and use of firecrackers with conditions.
Supreme Court had earlier opposed complete ban on firecrackers and said there is a need to account all aspects including the fundamental right of livelihood of firecrackers manufacturers.
India is home to the world's ten most polluted cities in the world.