As the festive season approaches across the nation, the debate over firecracker usage and environmental pollution has once again gained momentum. Amidst these discussions, the Supreme Court of India has made a significant observation while hearing petitions seeking a complete prohibition on firecrackers. The apex court clearly stated that it is not inclined to impose a blanket ban on crackers, noting that such a step would hurt the sentiments of people celebrating Diwali.
At the same time, the bench made it unequivocally clear that it cannot grant permission for round-the-clock bursting of firecrackers either. This judicial stance attempts to strike a delicate balance between preserving cultural traditions and safeguarding public health, especially given that northern India witnesses a sharp spike in air pollution levels during the onset of winter.
Balancing Religious Sentiments and Public Health
The bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varele remarked that adopting an extreme approach would not serve the broader interest of society. The court acknowledged that while festival celebrations carry deep emotional and traditional value, the health of vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, children, and asthma patients cannot be ignored.
The judges emphasized that implementing a total ban would create widespread disappointment, but permitting unbridled fireworks throughout the day and night would degrade air quality to hazardous levels. Consequently, the court indicated that a middle ground must be found by establishing a specific time window during which people can legally burst crackers.
Focus on Green Crackers and Barium Usage
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhatia presented a note detailing the potential use of 'next-generation joint green crackers' developed in collaboration with CSIR-NEERI. These eco-friendly alternatives are formulated with reduced quantities of harmful chemical agents like barium salts to minimize emissions.
The government counsel submitted that if these specialized green crackers adhere to prescribed noise limits (125 dB to 145 dB) and are manufactured exclusively by licensed producers, conditional exemptions could be considered. The Supreme Court acknowledged this suggestion and announced that it will deliberate further on the use of barium and green crackers during the next hearing scheduled for October 15.
