The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns over the failure of the Delhi government’s firecracker ban to prevent widespread bursting of crackers during Diwali. This response follows reports and public outcry over severe air pollution that spiked due to continued cracker usage, despite the ban imposed by local authorities.
Background:
The Delhi government had issued a complete ban on firecrackers to curb pollution levels, especially around the Diwali season, when air quality typically worsens. The ban aimed to reduce the harmful effects on air quality and public health. However, reports of widespread non-compliance have prompted the Supreme Court to question the effectiveness of these preventive measures.
Court’s Observations:
The Supreme Court has sought explanations on why the ban was not effectively enforced and questioned the adequacy of administrative mechanisms in place to prevent violations. The Court’s remarks underscore the seriousness of air pollution in Delhi, which sees dramatic spikes in pollution levels due to firecrackers and other factors during winter.
Proposed Measures:
In light of these events, the Court may consider enforcing stricter compliance measures and ensuring coordination between state authorities and law enforcement. The emphasis remains on exploring more robust mechanisms to manage air quality and ensure public safety, especially during festive seasons.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny signals a strong call for better governance and enforcement regarding environmental policies. The outcome of these hearings may lead to a more structured approach to pollution control during future festive seasons in Delhi.