The Supreme Court of India on Monday clarified its position on the use of green crackers during Diwali, inducing a combination of relief and caution for citizens and state authorities. The court reaffirmed that although the use of eco-friendly crackers is allowed, strict restrictions on timings and types of firecrackers permitted will be put in place across the nation.
⸻
What the Supreme Court Said
A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia ruled that the court did not ban crackers entirely but ordered that only green crackers—crackers with lowered emissions and fewer chemicals—are acceptable. The court insisted that the enforcement of these regulations is in the hands of state governments, which are required to prevent banned or harmful crackers from being sold as eco-friendly crackers.
The court also clarified that no relaxation will come to any city or state, including Delhi, where the pollution levels historically shoot up during the festive season. “Our aim has always been to find an equilibrium between celebration and public health,” said the judges.
⸻
When and Where They Can Be Used
According to the earlier norms, states will have to restrict the burning of crackers for a period of two hours during the Diwali night — generally between 8 PM to 10 PM. Crackers may be burst in open areas, but not near hospitals and residential areas. The court also directed the pollution control boards to check air quality prior to and after Diwali to make sure there was compliance.
Local authorities are instructed to confiscate prohibited firecrackers and impose strict penalties on manufacturers and sellers who go against the norms.
⸻
The Debate Over ‘Green Crackers’
Though the concept of green crackers was proposed to lower toxic emissions, experts contend that enforcement and awareness are still weak. Most sellers still offer conventional crackers under the guise of green crackers. Environmental organizations have called on the government to initiate public awareness campaigns and increase supply-chain verification prior to the onset of the festive season.
⸻
Citizens’ Reaction
Reactions among the public were mixed. Some welcomed the limited relaxation, calling it a “reasonable compromise,” while others questioned the feasibility of monitoring millions of cracker users within a short window.
××××××××××××××
Telegram Link :
For latest news, first Hand written articles & trending news join Saachibaat telegram group
https://t.me/joinchat/llGA9DGZF9xmMDc1
