Times of Navi Mumbai | India News
The Supreme Court has questioned the Delhi government over its failure to properly control the use of firecrackers during festivals. The judges said that making rules is not enough if people continue to break them.
The court also asked officials to provide clear information about the steps they had taken to stop people from using banned firecrackers. It wanted to know whether these steps had helped reduce air pollution in Delhi and nearby areas.
The case was heard by a bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale.
Court Asks Officials to Show Their Work
The judges asked the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to explain what they had done to enforce firecracker rules.
They wanted to know whether officials had visited places where people were breaking the rules, what they found and how they checked pollution levels.
The court said officials must provide real information to show that their actions were making a difference.
It also raised concerns about reports of banned firecrackers being used even when certain green crackers were allowed.
Court Says It Does Not Want a Total Ban
The Supreme Court said it was not asking for a complete ban on firecrackers. Instead, it wanted to protect people’s health while also respecting their feelings about festivals.
The judges pointed out that firecrackers make air pollution worse. They said people should be able to enjoy festivals without causing harm to others.
The court also suggested that famous people, such as cricket star Virat Kohli, could help spread the message of celebrating festivals with less pollution.
Questions About Delhi’s Pollution Plan
Government officials told the court about their plans to fight air pollution during winter.
These plans include 608 anti-smog guns, more charging facilities for electric vehicles, planting more greenery and better checks on pollution.
However, the judges asked whether these steps were really helping. The court also referred to a report stating that only nine of CAQM’s 29 units were working.
The judges wanted officials to provide reports showing what they had done and whether air quality had improved.
Firecracker Rules May Be Considered Separately
The Supreme Court has been examining Delhi’s air pollution problem for several years. Another case has raised concerns about how firecrackers can harm children, older people and people with health problems.
Last year, the court allowed firecrackers to be sold and used for a limited time around Diwali. Firecracker sellers have asked for similar permission this year.
A separate bench will hear the matter related to the sale and use of firecrackers.
The court’s message is that festivals should be celebrated with care. Government officials must make sure that rules are followed and that people’s health is protected.
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