SC allows sale of ‘green firecrackers’ only

The SC verdict comes fifteen days ahead of Diwali allowing only the sale and use of ‘green firecrackers’ with time restrictions from 8 pm to 10 pm

NEW DELHI: Pollution levels in Delhi are already severe, the Supreme Court in its verdict today allowed the sale and use of firecrackers with stringent conditions. The apex court in its verdict said that only ‘green firecrackers’ will be sold in the country which are less polluting, but it refused to impose a complete ban on firecrackers.

The Supreme Court also imposed time restrictions on burning crackers during celebrations. The court said, “on Diwali, the bursting of firecrackers will be allowed only for two hours, from 8 pm to 10 pm, for New Year and Christmas celebrations, bursting will be allowed between 11:45 pm to 12:30 am.”

A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan banned the online sale of firecrackers and restrained e-commerce websites like Amazon and Flipkart from selling them.

Although what are ‘green firecrackers’ is a bit litigious. While “less-polluting” is well understood, what goes into making a green firecracker isn’t. According to reports, last year scientists were asked to develop zero-pollution firecrackers. Additionally, Sri Kaliswari Fireworks Private Limited in Sivakasi had started experimenting on developing eco-friendly firecrackers.

The Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) had earlier said that the government must help the manufacturers with a formula for green crackers.

On October 9 last year, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali. Later, the court refused to relax the ban and dismissed a plea by traders who had sought permission to sell crackers for at least a day or two before Diwali. The court had said that the ban on firecrackers was an experiment to observe its impact on pollution levels.

It further said that while deciding on firecrackers it is necessary to take into account several aspects, including the livelihood of firecracker manufacturers as well as the right to health of over 1.3 billion people.

Every year during winter, the air quality in Delhi worsens to alarming levels, turning the city into a gas chamber. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, along with firecrackers during Diwali, vehicular pollution and construction activities are the primary reasons for this.