The Supreme Court of India has recently implemented a sweeping nationwide ban on firecrackers, underlining that the previous directives pertaining to the prohibition of barium and other banned chemicals in firecrackers are not confined to Delhi-NCR but extend to all states. This clarification was articulated during a hearing centered around the issue of firecrackers in the state of Rajasthan.
The bench, comprising Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh, unequivocally stated that the orders issued during the course of hearing various petitions are binding on every state across the nation.
A key emphasis of the Supreme Court’s pronouncement was dispelling the misconception that environmental concerns solely fall within the court’s purview. The court adamantly declared that the responsibility for managing pollution lies with each and every citizen. It further stressed the imperative for citizens to ensure an environmentally conscious celebration of Diwali, urging a reduction in the use of firecrackers.
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Looking back to the year 2021, the Supreme Court had issued directives aimed at curbing the use of banned chemicals in firecrackers in the lead-up to Diwali. Notably, the court clarified that the ban on firecrackers is not absolute and applies only to those containing barium salts. The usage of green crackers, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines from 2018, remains permissible.
During the recent hearing on November 7, 2023, the court made a noteworthy observation, pointing out that, in contemporary times, it is often the elders who indulge in bursting more firecrackers than children. This observation may serve as a call to rethink and reassess the traditional patterns of firecracker usage during festive occasions.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed the state of Rajasthan to take immediate and effective measures to control pollution in the city of Udaipur. This underscores the court’s commitment to not only setting guidelines but also ensuring their implementation at the regional level.
Recalling a prior instance on September 22, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea seeking the authorization of the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers containing barium chemicals. This decision reflects the court’s unwavering stance against potentially harmful substances in firecrackers, aligning with its broader efforts to safeguard the environment and public health.
In conclusion, the recent actions and statements from the Supreme Court underscore a concerted effort to address the environmental impact of firecrackers on a national scale. The court’s comprehensive directives, observations, and calls for individual responsibility collectively contribute to a larger narrative of environmental consciousness and sustainable celebration during festivals.
