Supreme Court Directs Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to Enforce Firecracker Ban in NCR to Combat Air Pollution
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New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Supreme Court mandated on Thursday that the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana enforce a comprehensive prohibition on firecrackers within the regions categorized under the NCR.
A judicial bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka noted that the restrictions already established by the Delhi and Rajasthan governments will become effective only when the other states adopt comparable regulations.
This bench, which included Justice A.G. Masih, was addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) focused on pollution control in Delhi and the NCR.
During the proceedings, the court learned that while Haryana had allowed the use of green crackers, Rajasthan had instituted a total firecracker ban in the NCR.
The court instructed the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to implement a firecracker ban that mirrors the one in place in Delhi and scheduled the case for further discussion on January 15, 2025.
Additionally, the apex court called for the governments of Delhi and the NCR states to form teams to ensure rigorous enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV standards.
In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had urged the state administrations of Delhi and its neighboring states to determine the feasibility of a permanent firecracker ban.
It called on the state governments to formally state their positions, suggesting that it may issue necessary guidelines regarding the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of firecrackers.
"Implementing a firecracker ban will aid not only in reducing air pollution but also in diminishing noise pollution. We will contemplate issuing essential directives to state governments concerning the prohibition of firecracker usage," it stated.
Previously, in November, following Diwali, the Supreme Court remarked on the ineffective enforcement of the firecracker ban in the national capital and criticized the Delhi government for its lack of implementation. It requested an affidavit from the Delhi government and the Police Commissioner to outline the actions taken to uphold the ban.
The apex court suggested that the premises from which firecrackers are sold should be sealed, alongside enforcing a ban on the importation of firecrackers from adjacent states.
In September, the Delhi government issued a notification banning firecrackers until January 1, 2025, as a measure to counteract winter air pollution.
Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that in order to maintain clean air in the national capital, a notification was released to reduce pollution caused by firecrackers during the winter season. This notification also prohibited online sales and deliveries of firecrackers within Delhi.
