What is the story about?
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (October 15) relaxed the blanket ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR as it allowed limited use of green crackers but with strict
guidelines and conditions. But why did the apex court relax the ban on firecrackers now? The Supreme Court has explained its reasoning for why it has allowed the use of green crackers in the national capital.
Here's why Supreme Court relaxed ban on firecrackers
Blanket ban did not help with pollution
The Supreme Court said that it was clear that a blanket ban did not help much in reducing pollution, adding that the Air Quality Index (AQI) only came down substantially during COVID-19 restrictions.
“It is further to be noted that to the query as to whether there was a substantial difference in the AQIs in the year 2018 and 2024 when the ban was imposed, it has been fairly stated that there is not much difference except the Covid period when the AQI had drastically come down," the apex court stressed.
Also Read: Patakha Waali Diwali for Delhi: From Timings, Dates to Types of Crackers - What Are SC's Guidelines?
'Festive spirit should take back seat...'
The court further stated that bursting firecrackers is an expression of the festive spirit and it enhances the mood in religious and other auspicious ceremonies, embedded in the cultural milieu of India.
However, it added that this festive spirit cannot lead to a situation of causing long-term or even short term damage to health by uncontrolled use.
"We cannot but reiterate, as this Court held oftener than ever, that the commercial considerations and the festive spirit should take a back seat when it concerns the environment and health," the SC said.
The order followed detailed suggestions from the Solicitor General and the amicus curiae, with the court acknowledging that “conventional firecrackers are often smuggled, which causes more damage.”
What Are The Guidelines?
According to the new directions, only green crackers approved by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) will be allowed for sale and use.
These sales will only take place at designated sites across Delhi-NCR, and timings for bursting then are strictly between 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm, from October 18-21, which means residents can burst crackers for 4 days during these time slots.
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