Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Nationwide Ban on Harmful Firecrackers Ahead of Diwali
As Diwali approaches, the Supreme Court of India has underscored that its directive banning the use of barium and harmful chemicals in firecrackers is not confined to the National Capital Region (NCR) but extends nationwide. The clarification came during a hearing on an application urging the Rajasthan government to adhere to the court's orders regarding banned chemicals and noise level regulations.
In a recent session presided over by Justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh, the court emphasized that its earlier orders, issued in the context of minimizing air and noise pollution, are binding on every state in the country. The bench clarified that the state of Rajasthan, like all other states, is expected to take proactive measures to mitigate air and noise pollution, not only during the festive season but also beyond.
The counsel representing the applicant highlighted a prevailing misconception that the Supreme Court's directive pertains solely to Delhi-NCR. To dispel any ambiguity, the court asserted that its order applies uniformly across the nation and expressed the need for this information to be disseminated widely.
Back in October 2018, the Supreme Court took a significant step by imposing a ban on the production and sale of all firecrackers except 'green crackers' and those designed to reduce emissions. The court also prohibited the manufacturing and sale of 'joined crackers,' restricted the use of barium salts in fireworks, and set permissible noise level limits. Additionally, online sales of firecrackers were banned, and the court mandated that they be sold exclusively through licensed traders, with a specified schedule for bursting on various occasions.
Reiterating its stance on October 29, 2021, the Supreme Court emphasized that there is no complete ban on the use of firecrackers. Only those firecrackers found to be injurious to health are prohibited, reinforcing the court's commitment to balancing the joy of festivities with environmental and public health concerns.
As the nation gears up for Diwali celebrations, the Supreme Court's directive serves as a reminder for citizens and authorities alike to adhere to environmentally conscious practices, ensuring a harmonious balance between cultural festivities and environmental responsibility.
