Diwali Firecracker Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave an important decision saying that people in Delhi and NCR will be able to burst only green crackers during Diwali this year. The court said that this is just a temporary relief. There will be no permission to bring or sell any kind of firecrackers from outside NCR. Know here when you can burst crackers in Diwali, timing and where to get green crackers?
The decision was delivered by a bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. The court said that we have to take into account the concerns of the industry. Traditional firecrackers are often brought secretly, which causes further damage to the environment.
The Supreme Court had completed the hearing on this matter on October 10 and had said that it is not practical to impose a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, because such bans are often broken. Therefore the court had said to adopt a balanced approach.
Now the question – Can we burst crackers this Diwali?
Yes, but only green crackers.
What are green crackers?
Green crackers cause less pollution than conventional crackers and are environment friendly. These have been developed by CSIR-NEERI Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.
These emit 30-35% less dust particles (PM10, PM2.5) and also produce less harmful gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. Their noise limit has been kept at 125 decibels, which is as per the rules of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These do not contain banned chemicals like barium nitrate, potassium nitrate, aluminum and lithium. To identify green crackers, QR code and special marking are given on their packets.
When can crackers be burst?
The Supreme Court has said that the time for bursting firecrackers will be limited.
One day before Diwali: 6 am to 7 am and 8 pm to 10 pm.
On Diwali: The same timing will remain applicable.
Can crackers be purchased online?
No. The court has clearly said that there will be no sale or delivery of firecrackers from any e-commerce website.
Where to buy crackers?
Firecrackers can be purchased only from authorized stalls with permission from the District Collector or Police. The list of designated places in all the districts will be released at the government level and it will also be widely publicized.
Why did the Supreme Court give this relief?
The court said that when the complete ban was imposed, smuggling of firecrackers started, due to which pollution increased further.
The court also acknowledged that pollution has reduced in the last six years since the introduction of green crackers.
Why so much controversy over firecrackers?
Delhi faces severe air pollution every winter.
Due to cold air and slow winds, particles settle at the bottom, which increases shortness of breath, asthma and heart diseases. During this period, pollution increases further due to stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and UP. Every year during Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches dangerous levels, leading to closure of schools and increase in the number of patients in hospitals.