Supreme Court's Consideration on Firecracker Ban in Delhi-NCR
The Supreme Court has addressed the issue of a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, deeming it "neither practical nor ideal" due to frequent violations. Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran highlighted the need for a balanced approach while considering pleas to allow "green" firecrackers.
Arguments for Lifting the Ban
- The Solicitor General for the Centre and NCR states argued for relaxing the ban, emphasizing that children should be allowed to burst crackers during festivals like Diwali without time restrictions.
- Data from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) indicated that pollution levels have not significantly changed since the ban, except during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- The Solicitor General urged the court to consider the balance between environmental concerns and the right to celebrate festivals.
Suggestions for a Balanced Approach
- Manufacture and sale of only NEERI-approved "green" firecrackers should be allowed.
- Use of green firecrackers should be permitted for festivals like Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year's Eve without time windows.
- Firecrackers must be sold through licensed traders, with no e-commerce sales permitted.
- PESO and NEERI should inspect manufacturing units periodically to ensure compliance, with violations leading to immediate sealing of units.
Concerns and Counterarguments
- The CJI questioned the geographical limitations of the ban and suggested a statewide approach for Haryana.
- Senior advocates argued that the blanket ban was imposed without adequate consultation and affected economic investments in eco-friendly firecracker production.
- It was noted that the main pollution sources in Delhi are stubble burning and industrial emissions, rather than firecrackers.
The Supreme Court has reserved its order, indicating potential changes to the existing ban to accommodate both environmental and livelihood interests.
